Céline Fournier

As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to learn English. To achieve this, I participated in various English immersion programs during my teenage years. After completing grade 11 and spending two summers with my sister in Barrie, Ontario, I decided to move there for an entire school year to perfect my English. This experience marked a significant turning point in my life: I enrolled in an advanced French course that offered engaging activities designed to help students refine their language skills. It planted seeds in my mind. What I initially thought would be a one-year stay in Ontario ultimately extended to nine years!

During my time in Ontario, I pursued university studies in Toronto. To finance my education, I took on summer office jobs that required proficiency in both official languages, along with a part-time role teaching French as a second language. Without realizing it, I was taking my first steps into teaching.

After earning my Honours Bachelor of Arts diploma from the University of Toronto, I began working as an administrative assistant for a young company offering distance-learning language courses. Around the same time, I started teaching French as a second language to adults at Humber College’s North Campus—and I was hooked! Upon returning to Montreal, I completed a certificate in andragogy (adult education) at the University of Montreal while continuing to work in the field.

When I secured a position teaching English as a second language at Cégep de Sept-Îles, I was able to combine teaching with office work by teaching Business English in programs such as Office Automation Techniques or Accounting and Management Techniques. These courses quickly became my favorites, as they allowed me to share my professional experience with my students. To further enhance my teaching skills, I also completed several college-level pedagogy courses at the University of Sherbrooke.

Teaching these courses for 26 years was a deeply rewarding experience. Toward the end of my career, I authored two books: « Rédaction de textes en anglais - Compétence 17 » for the vocational level (DEP) and Professional Business Writing for the college level. These publications marked a proud milestone in my journey.

Looking back on my personal and professional journey, I truly believe I was destined for a career in teaching. This profession allowed me to combine my passion for English with my office work experience to benefit my students and make a lasting impact.