Teacher recruitment struggles significantly due to the neoliberal policies implemented since 2017.
Strap in, folks! Let's talk about the elephant in the classroom - the worsening teacher recruitment crisis. The numbers don't lie; the 2025 CAPES entrance exam results scream it loud and clear. Shortages are forecasted in modern languages, mathematics, physics-chemistry, and music education. But that's not all, mate! The Auditor's report on primary schools, published on May 20, confirmed what we've been dreading: this crisis isn't a fluke.
So, what's the root cause of this mess? Well, it's no secret that the neoliberal policy put into action since 2017 is the main culprit. This policy, as appealing as it might seem to some, has led to a degradation in teachers' working conditions, a drop in salaries, and a lesser focus on teacher training. And while the newly announced education reform by the Minister of National Education, Elisabeth Borne, can't seem to address these issues in any meaningful way, we've got a bonanza of temp, underpaid teachers to fill the gaps.
Now, there's no denying that French teachers are putting in the hard yards. They're clocking the most hours (900 hours per year in elementary school) compared to their EU counterparts while teaching some of the largest classes in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The ironic part? They're getting paid nearly 20% less than primary school teachers in the OECD, with the majority of wage growth depending on a controversial "pact" rejected by teachers.
Don't have time for the rest? Here's the lowdown: teachers are neglected, undervalued, and disregarded. They work long hours, face large class sizes, and bear the brunt of administrative tasks, all while earning less than they deserve. It's no wonder candidate numbers are dwindling, and the teaching profession is losing its appeal. So grab a coffee and have a think - if we want to save our schools, we need to take a long, hard look at the system we've created and make some changes, sooner rather than later.
Top policymakers must recognize the connection between the neoliberal policies implemented since 2017 and the worsening teacher recruitment crisis in France, particularly in subjects like modern languages, mathematics, physics-chemistry, and music education. A comprehensive education policy and legislation overhaul, focusing on improving teachers' working conditions, salaries, and training, is essential to rectify this issue and make education and self-development more attractive for candidates, thus contributing to general news that is positive for the future of France's education system.
