The Reform Explained to Future Teachers
On November 20, the Faculty of Education hosted the rector of the Occitanie academic region for a meeting focused on careers in teaching. Third-year undergraduate students majoring in economics, science, sports science, or education came to learn about career opportunities in the field and the new teacher training reform.
Agnès Perrin Doucey, dean of the Faculty of Education, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between future university graduates and the world of education in which they will eventually work. This sector is undergoing rapid transformation and has seen numerous successive reforms in recent years.
A better start to a career
It was precisely the latest of these reforms—concerning initial teacher training—that Carole Drucker-Godard, Rector of the Occitanie Academic Region and the Montpellier Academy, came to present and explain. Joining her were Mathieu Ruffenach, academic inspector and regional educational inspector in charge of initial teacher training; Christophe Mauny, academic director of the National Education Services for the Gard department in charge of elementary education; and Laurent Gouze, director of human resources for the academy.
The reform introduces several major changes designed to facilitate a more immersive and accessible entry into the profession. Future teachers are now in the field from the very beginning of their training. New competencies reinforce the practical and professional aspects of the training to better meet the current demands of the profession. Another change is that students now receive compensation starting in their first year of the master’s program—a recognition of their professional commitment during their training. As the rector emphasizes, “this reform is designed to facilitate a smoother transition into the profession.”
Continue the dialogue
The students then had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions. Many topics were raised, such as: assignment criteria, details regarding expectations for the final exam and the status of student civil servants, as well as class sizes. One concern that appears to be a major one for future teachers was addressed clearly by Carole Drucker-Godard:
“The reform will not affect class sizes. It is the declining population that is currently leading to a decrease in enrollment, with a national average of 21 students per class.”
Finally, an interactive quiz led by Agnès Vrinat, the senior inspector, gave students the chance to test their understanding of the teaching profession, its realities, and how it is evolving. The event concluded with a time for informal discussion. The stated goal? To encourage young people to become ambassadors for the teaching profession and to help them better envision themselves in this meaningful career path, which, as Rector Carole Drucker-Godard reminded everyone, remains “the most beautiful profession in the world, because it is a profession where one feels useful.”