Teacher Preparation in France: A Social and Cultural History

Exploring the rich history of teacher education in France, this comprehensive volume spans centuries of educational transformation, meticulously tracing the journey from informal training methods to the modern, state-regulated system that shapes today’s teaching profession.

Structured both chronologically and thematically, Teacher Preparation in France offers an in-depth exploration of key historical periods and pivotal reforms. From examining the early influence of the Catholic Church and the establishment of state-run institutions during the Third Republic to delving into secondary teacher preparation, highlighting the tension between classical education and pedagogical training, and the rise of prestigious institutions like the École Normale Supérieure, Elliott and Lecuit explore the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in French teacher education.

Inspired by the need to clarify French teacher education for international colleagues, Teacher Preparation in France combines extensive research with firsthand insights from educators. It offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities and controversies that have shaped teacher preparation in France, providing valuable lessons for educational debates worldwide.

Imelda Elliott is Emeritus Professor of Modern Languages and a Specialist of Education Policy at Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO), Boulogne, France.

Ewen Lecuit is Lecturer in Modern Languages and pedagogy on teacher education programmes at primary and secondary level at Institut National Supérieur du Professorat et de l’Education de l’Académie de Lille Hauts-de-France (INSPE-Lille-HdF).