Simon Fraser University hosts the 4th edition of the J’enseigne en français Conference

The 4th edition of the J’enseigne en français conference, organized by Simon Fraser University’s Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA), will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026. More than 100 participants are expected at the Civic Hotel in Surrey for a full day of professional development designed specifically for teachers working in French-language programs across British Columbia, including French immersion, core French, and Francophone programs.

Running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., the conference will feature a series of keynote presentations and workshops centered on the theme Plural Voices in French-Language Education. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Alice A. Prophète, teaching professor and researcher at the Faculté Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, and author of two youth novels. Dr. Prophète will also host a book signing during the closing reception and lead a virtual book club on March 4 and 11, in partnership with OFFA and the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques.

Participants representing 15 school districts—including the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF)—will also have the opportunity to visit the exhibitors’ fair, which this year brings together several publishing companies: Éditions du Pacifique Nord-Ouest, Éditions Passe-Temps, Éditions Côte-Ouest, La Chenelière Éducation, and Apprentissage Illimité Inc.

The conference aims to bring together and strengthen connections among members of SFU’s J’enseigne en français community, which since 2021 has brought together teachers from French-language programs, academics, school administrators, and teacher education students. In a constantly evolving minority-language context, the conference provides a collaborative and supportive space to advance French-language education across the province.

SFU plays a key role in supporting teachers in French-language programs in British Columbia. For more than 60 years, SFU’s Faculty of Education has been at the forefront of educational innovation. With a non-traditional, community-engaged approach, SFU has been a pioneer in teacher education in Canada, having successfully trained more than 20,000 teachers since 1965.

The J’enseigne en français conference is made possible through the support of the Government of Canada and the Ministry of Education and Child Care of British Columbia.

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“We are pleased to organize this conference for our student teachers, alumni, and the broader J’enseigne en français community. The program highlights several graduates of our master’s and doctoral programs who have become pedagogical leaders in their respective contexts. This speaks to the significant impact of our French-language programs at the local, provincial, and national levels.

Isabelle Côté
Associate Director – Education, Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA)
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education,
Simon Fraser University

About Alice A. Prophète

Alice A. Prophète is a Teaching professor and Researcher at the Faculté Saint-Jean, University of Alberta. She holds a PhD from Simon Fraser University and focuses her work on equity in education, teacher education, and professional support for educators from immigrant Francophone communities. Her research explores identity construction and professional development among racialized Francophones, as well as the recognition and integration of Black histories and cultures in schools and Canadian society. With over 25 years of teaching experience and as the author of two youth novels, she examines the intersections between research, literature, and the transformation of educational practices.

About the J’enseigne en français Community

This community is open to anyone who identifies with teaching in French in British Columbia and beyond. In collaboration with SFU’s Faculty of Education, school districts, and educational partners, OFFA develops and delivers year-round professional learning opportunities and services tailored to French-language education professionals. A wide range of resources is also available to support teachers in their daily practice, including the Vos ressources en français newsletter.

About Simon Fraser University’s Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA)

Our mission at OFFA is to coordinate, promote and support the development of programs and courses offered in French at SFU. We also organize cultural and scientific activities within the community to foster a plural and inclusive Francophonie.

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Media inquiries

Caroline Ventézou
Manager, Communications, Marketing and Engagement
Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA)
Simon Fraser University
baff_comm@sfu.ca
778-782-7645