Why so many French teachers are calling it quits

French teachers are quitting in record numbers, overwhelmed by low pay, crowded classrooms and increasing demands. Despite successive reforms by previous governments, staffing shortages persist. And leaving the profession is often a difficult process. With the announcement of a new education minister just around the corner, will France’s public education crisis finally ease up?

Rémi Boyer taught history and geography in French public schools for 21 years but decided to retire early because the job “had become too difficult”. Paul* only lasted three years as a design teacher at a vocational high school before he became exhausted and quit. A German-language teacher who has spent the past five years teaching at a school a two-hour drive from her home is still in the trenches, trying to get transferred.

Public school teachers in France are reaching a breaking point. Faced with overcrowded classrooms, heavy workloads and low pay, many feel the commitment required by the profession is no longer sustainable.

Years of neglect and underfunding have left French public schools struggling, and teachers are bearing the brunt of these challenges – often with little support or recognition.

Coupled with the fact that since 2010, the requirements to be hired as a tenured public sector teacher became more stringent, the share of teachers voluntarily leaving the profession is at an all-time high.

*Name has been changed to maintain anonymity.

Read more on FRANCE 24 English

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