The Higgs government will not be moving the entry point for students in the French immersion program – at least not in the next academic year.
But a big problem exists trying to find French teachers or any other teachers for that matter according to the New Brunswick Teachers Association.
NBTA President George Daley says most school districts are are having a difficult time filling permanent teaching positions.
Daley says some are hiring candidates who don’t hold teaching degrees to fill positions for half a year.
If a certified teacher can’t be found, those candidates may have their contract extended to a full year.
Some good news is coming from universities in the province which are boosting seat numbers in education.
Crandall University is also creating a French immersion teaching program.
He notes more than 1,000 New Brunswick teachers will likely retire over the next five years.
Currently, Daley adds there aren’t enough students graduating from education programs to fill all of those vacant positions.
