Bayrou’s Teacher Training Reform from 2025
- French officials have announced the relaunch of a reform to initial teacher training, declaring it an absolute priority in addressing the ongoing vocation crisis. The announcement was made...
- According to the Prime Minister, the goal is to find the minds of these normal schools, to restore to future teachers a multidisciplinary training focused on the fundamentals.
- The Prime Minister, a former professor and Minister of Education, expressed a strong desire to see this project succeed.
France Relaunches teacher Training Reform as “Absolute Priority”
Published:
French officials have announced the relaunch of a reform to initial teacher training, declaring it an absolute priority
in addressing the ongoing vocation crisis. The announcement was made during a visit to a school in Hauts-de-Seine.
According to the Prime Minister, the goal is to find the minds of these normal schools, to restore to future teachers a multidisciplinary training focused on the fundamentals.
The reform is slated to begin in 2025.
The Prime Minister, a former professor and Minister of Education, expressed a strong desire to see this project succeed. A previous version of the reform, presented a year prior, was set aside due to the dissolution of the National Assembly.
The Minister of National Education described the reform as an absolute priority
and an absolutely essential stage for our school,
citing concerns about the teaching profession’s lack of attractiveness. Previous attempts to change the training include a 2021 reform that moved teacher competitions from the first year of a master’s degree to the second.
Officials stated that teacher shortages are a major concern. The competitions (teachers) are no longer full and since 2021, with the transition from recruitment from Bac+4 to Bac+5, registrations fell by 45% in the first degree and 21% in the second degree. And in 2024, nearly 3,000 positions were vacant at the end of the competitions. We must look this reality in front and act
she underlined.
Key Changes
The primary change involves moving teacher competitions to bac+3 (three years of university study) instead of Bac+5,starting with the Spring 2026 session. Preparatory modules for the new competitions will be introduced at the start of the 2025 school year.
Trainees will receive remuneration during these preparatory years: 1,400 euros net per month in the first year and 1,800 euros in the second, for both primary and secondary school teachers. A specific license for teacher preparation will also be created, accessible upon completion of the baccalaureate.
Financial Implications
The estimated cost of implementing this reform is 26 million euros in 2026, 294 million in 2027, and approximately 500 million euros per year from 2028, according to a government source.
Concerns Raised
Higher education unions have expressed alarm
that no consultation has been started with the social partners
regarding this reform.
Focus on Writing Skills
Highlighting another challenge in schools, officials emphasized the importance of a reconquest of writing,
with a plan in preparation for the start of the school year. The Prime Minister stated, Our idea, our program is that we have to write and read every day at school, college, high school, whatever the discipline and whatever the course.
France Relaunches Teacher Training Reform: Addressing the Teacher Shortage Crisis
Introduction: Why is France Reforming Teacher Training?
France is taking steps to address its ongoing teacher shortage,wich has become a significant concern. The French government has relaunched a reform of initial teacher training, deeming it an “absolute priority.” this reform aims to make the teaching profession more attractive and to ensure that schools have enough qualified educators.
What are the Main Goals of the Teacher Training Reform?
The primary goals of the reform are:
To address the vocation crisis: The reform is designed to attract more individuals to the teaching profession.
To restore the focus on fundamentals: The training will emphasize a multidisciplinary approach centered on core subjects.
What Specific Changes are Being Implemented?
Here are the key changes:
Competition Entry Point: Moving teacher competitions to bac+3 (three years of university study) instead of bac+5, begining with the spring 2026 session. Preparatory modules for new competitions will begin at the start of the 2025 school year.
Financial Support for Trainees: trainees will receive remuneration during their preparatory years:
1,400 euros net per month in the first year.
1,800 euros in the second year. This applies to both primary and secondary school teachers.
* New Degree: A specific license for teacher preparation will be created, accessible upon completion of the baccalaureate.
Why are These Changes Being Made?
The changes are being made in response to a significant decrease in the number of applicants for teaching positions. This decline has led to a shortage of teachers, which is impacting the quality of education.According to officials, after the transition from recruitment from Bac+4 to Bac+5, registrations fell by 45% in the first degree and 21% in the second degree. In 2024, nearly 3,000 positions where vacant at the end of the competitions.
What are the Financial Implications of the Reform?
The reform involves considerable investment. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs:
| Year | Estimated Cost |
| :— | :————— |
| 2026 | 26 million euros |
| 2027 | 294 million euros |
| 2028+ | 500 million euros per year |
What Concerns have been Raised about the Reform?
Higher education unions have expressed “alarm” that there has been no consultation with social partners regarding the reform.
What Other Educational priorities are Being Addressed?
In addition to the teacher training reform, officials are emphasizing the importance of improving writing skills in schools.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
France’s renewed focus on teacher training reform underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening its education system. By addressing the teacher shortage and investing in the future of educators, France aims to ensure quality education for all students.