Do French University Professors Move to High Schools to Teach?
In France, it is relatively uncommon for university professors to move to high schools to teach. The educational systems for universities and high schools are quite different, each with distinct requirements, curricula, and teaching methods.
Distinctions Between University Professors and High School Teachers
University professors typically focus on research and higher education. Their roles are geared towards advanced scholarly work and the development of new knowledge. On the other hand, high school teachers are more involved in preparing students for their baccalauréat exams and often work with younger students. These educators tailor their teaching to meet the specific needs of secondary education, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education or their professional careers.
The Path to Becoming a University Professor in France
To become a university maitre de conférences (assistant professor) in France, the only requirement is to have a PhD. However, the journey to obtaining this PhD is another matter. Very few students come from the Grandes écoles, but those who do tend to be quite successful. The majority of PhD candidates typically earn their master's degree from a university before pursuing their doctoral studies.
French Education System: High School, University, and Classes Préparatoires
The French education system is divided into several key stages. Students first attend high school, which is akin to high school in the United States. After completing high school, they can choose to pursue higher education at a university. Alternatively, students may opt for classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles, which are secondary school classes aimed at preparing students for entrance exams to elite higher education institutions known as Grandes écoles.
These classes préparatoires typically involve 40 students and cover several disciplines over two years. At the end of this period, students sit for a giant national exam to rank them. Schools that recruit based on these exams are referred to as Grandes écoles. Running the entire system requires a specialized pool of educators, including those with significant qualifications such as the CAPES and agregation.
The National Exams for Professorship: CAPES and Agrégation
There are two main national exams for obtaining a teaching position in France: CAPES (Certificate of Teaching Aptitude for Secondary Education) and Agrégation (Grand Certificate of Teaching). CAPES is designed for middle and high school teachers, while Agrégation is much more challenging and is aimed at high school and classes préparatoires teachers.
Given the differences in humanities and science, obtaining a position in science teaching, especially at preparatory classes, is particularly difficult. Applicants must have an outstanding ranking in Agrégation and often need to hold a PhD. In contrast, obtaining a position in humanities, particularly in philosophy, is even more competitive.
University Professor Roles and the Maitre de Conference
University professors in France are known as maitre de conference (associate professor) or professor. There are different grades of these positions, and the title often influences the salary and career prestige. After completing a PhD and a postdoc, one can apply for a position. While applications are generally based on a review of one's resume, the process is often influenced by networking and internal politics.
Transitions Between High Schools and Universities
The idea of moving from a university professor position to a high school teaching position is not common. While transitions can occur, they are not the norm. All these positions are civil servant roles, but they belong to different categories (corps détats), and a person cannot hold positions in multiple categories simultaneously. Moving to another category often results in losing the benefits and privileges of the previous one.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, while the transition from university to high school teaching is not unheard of, it is not a common practice in France. The distinctive nature of the education system, coupled with the rigorous requirements for teaching positions, ensures that such transitions are not the norm. Understanding these dynamics can provide insights into the complex and structured French education system.