Assignment of replacement teachers

The French government has confirmed that 2000 out of the 3000 replacement teachers promised by Education Minister Edouard Geffray have been assigned. This comes after the minister initially stated that only 35% of the teachers had been assigned last week.

Roles and qualifications of TZR

TZR, or titular on replacement zone teachers, are assigned to cover absences lasting more than 15 days. They can work in classes from 6th grade up to the final year of secondary education, helping to maintain continuity in teaching.

Improvement in identifying staff

The Ministry of National Education has faced challenges in identifying suitable TZR teachers but has recently acquired a new information tool. This tool is expected to improve the management and assignment of these replacement staff.

Criticism from union representative

Sophie Vénétitay, the general secretary of the Snes-FSU union, criticized the minister on BFMTV. She pointed out that the minister had given three days to assign all 3000 teachers but now admits the effort has failed.

Additional recruitment measures

Edouard Geffray explained that the measures to address teacher absences include hiring contractual staff in rare disciplines. He authorized 920 additional recruitments, and 90 of these have already been hired, mainly in professional fields.

Extra hours to support replacements

The Ministry of National Education has also announced that 300,000 additional hours will be available. These hours are meant to allow for internal replacements and to pay teachers who take on extra teaching missions.

Context of the teacher shortage

Minister Geffray's announcements aim to address the concerns of students participating in blockades and demonstrations. These students claim they are missing teachers in important subjects during exam years, sometimes for weeks or even months.

Impact of teacher absences

A recent parliamentary report highlighted that about 7.5% of teaching hours in secondary education are not covered due to the lack of replacement teachers. This absence has contributed to the current crisis in the education system.