French teachers report severe burnout and declining working conditions

French teachers are reporting severe professional distress and deteriorating working conditions within the national education system. Educators have shared accounts of mental health struggles, with some requiring psychiatric care and antidepressants due to the pressures of the classroom.

Key issues cited include the challenges of managing high numbers of students with special needs in single classrooms, physical safety concerns involving unruly students, and an perceived inadequacy in administrative support. Some teachers have transitioned to long-term leave or left the profession entirely, citing difficulties in managing student behavior and navigating complex relationships with parents.