Like everywhere in France, teachers, unions, and parents met for a demonstration in downtown Nice to express their concerns about various education-related issues.
After the farmers’ mobilization, it’s now the turn of national education professionals to express their anger. This Thursday, February 1st, the procession composed of teachers, unions, and parents began their march at Place Garibaldi, then took Avenue Jean Médecin before heading towards Gare Thiers.
A demonstration focused on various demands, notably salaries, job cuts, and working conditions for teachers. The unions also condemn the statements made by the new Minister of Education upon taking office. The minister had defended her choice to enroll her children in an elite private school, citing a lack of serious replacements in public education.
Public school “loss of sense”
The teaching staff is calling for better working conditions. Teachers express their exhaustion, their feeling of disdain for the profession, and are even considering changing careers. Many of them feel a loss of sense in their work.
Likewise, the shortage of teachers is a real problem, and it is necessary to create jobs. For several months now, short-term replacements for teachers have no longer been ensured. Contract workers are hired without having received prior training and leave their positions quickly.
Many teachers are concerned about certain reforms and initiatives initiated by the former Minister of National Education. In particular, the intention to create level groups in middle school raises concerns among them.
Moreover, the teaching staff wants the deterioration of working conditions and the loss of meaning in the profession to be seriously considered and aspires to be more heard by the government. Unions are already considering follow-up actions to this day.
