Anne de Guigné: "What would be the fair salary for teachers?"
The article discusses the challenges facing the teaching profession in France, particularly regarding salary and the recent decline in interest in teaching careers.
Anne de Guigné addresses the increasing difficulties associated with the teaching profession in France, highlighting how recent tragic events, such as the murder of Samuel Paty by a student, have impacted the perception and attractiveness of being a teacher. She notes that the profession has been linked to negative news, which understandably makes it less appealing to prospective new educators.
The article cites a significant decline in the number of individuals registering for teaching competitions in France, dropping from 254,000 in 2021 to approximately 184,000 in 2024. This trend reflects a broader crisis of attractiveness within the teaching profession, compounded by various challenges including student behavior and parental expectations. De Guigné underscores that salary issues also play a crucial role in this evolving landscape, suggesting that a reassessment of teacher salaries could be a solution to retain and attract educators.
With the recent rise in teachers' salaries introduced in the 2023 school year, De Guigné questions whether these adjustments are sufficient to change perceptions and restore interest in the profession. She explores the ongoing debate around adequate compensation for teachers, emphasizing that just salary levels are integral for maintaining the quality of education and the enthusiasm of those who choose to pursue a career in teaching.