Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s recent comments about teachers, suggesting they work only 24 hours a week for six months a year, sparked outrage among educators. Teachers like Nadège from Bordeaux expressed frustration over the undervaluation of their extensive commitments, including unpaid hours for planning and meetings. The backlash highlights the disconnect between public perception and the realities of teaching, with officials like Minister Anne Genetet defending the profession’s integrity amid ongoing resource shortages.
Media Outcry Following Sarkozy’s Comments on Teaching
During a recent conference held in Saint Raphaël (Var), former French President Nicolas Sarkozy sparked significant controversy with his comments about teachers. He claimed that educators work “only twenty-four hours a week and six months a year,” a statement that has not only drawn criticism but has also incited a strong backlash from the teaching community. Sarkozy’s remarks aimed to rationalize the current funding shortages within the education sector. “The status of school teachers (…) is 24 hours a week (…) six months of the year (…) Between vacations and weekends…” he stated. While acknowledging the challenges teachers face, he insisted on the need for honesty regarding the resources available for hiring a million educators, which elicited laughter from the audience.
Teachers Respond: The Reality of Their Work
The former president’s comments have been extensively discussed and challenged, particularly by teachers who feel undervalued by such statements. Nadège, a primary school teacher from Bordeaux, expressed her frustration: “I just got home, it’s 6:30 PM, and I’ve been at school since 7:45 AM, with barely 30 minutes for lunch due to a parent meeting. This was my immediate reaction to Sarkozy’s words. He should spend a day in our shoes to understand,” she stated. Nadège lamented that society often overlooks the significant dedication required in the teaching profession, reinforcing her belief that such remarks from politicians are unhelpful and damaging.
Nadège cannot tolerate the notion that she is “lucky” because of perceived extended vacations. “Yes, we have ‘vacation’ days during school holidays, but these are not days off. The reality is that teaching demands extensive personal commitment beyond classroom hours,” she asserted. During summer breaks, she dedicates herself to crafting a comprehensive curriculum, adapting to frequently changing programs and preparing assessments.
Moreover, Nadège highlighted that teaching extends beyond classroom instruction, encompassing essential extracurricular responsibilities, such as meetings with parents and consultations with school professionals. “These hours are necessary yet unpaid, adding to our workload,” she explained.
Despite her love for teaching, Nadège feels that society fails to appreciate its importance. “Being a teacher is not about enjoying half the year off. I challenge anyone who critiques our profession to spend a day managing a classroom of twenty six-year-olds with varied learning abilities,” she remarked. Sarkozy’s controversial comments have aggravated feelings among teachers, who do not enjoy the extensive break periods often assumed by the public. “While those days don’t require my physical presence at work, I can’t choose when to take leave like those in the private sector. If I have a medical emergency, I know my absence burdens my colleagues,” she added, emphasizing the pressures of the role.
The scarcity of resources in education is a pressing concern for many teachers. Nadège recalled previous instances where she had to spend her holiday time assisting students in need. “This isn’t an isolated incident. Every year, I dedicate personal time to help students facing significant hardships. This kind of invisible support is common for many educators, especially as funding cuts affect social services in schools,” she lamented. In light of Sarkozy’s comments, Anne Genetet, the Minister of National Education, defended teachers, stating, “We cannot claim that our teachers work little,” during her remarks to the press.