Teaching High School English in France?

Question

-- I was wondering what the average salary of a native full time high school English teacher (not a T.A.) would be in a more rural area of France, i.e. an area in which finding a native English speaker to instruct in the private/public-school system is extremely hard to come by? I know that the French Minsitry of Education has the ultimate decision, but if I were placed in the country side...

-- I'd assume that the salaries would not only be greater than that of teachers here in the United States, but also that the hiring position(s) of such would be quite demanding.

-- I will hold a B.A. in French Language and Literature (I speak and understand French fluently) but have also taken courses in English and Education.

-- Thus, is it advisable to wait to obtain my M.A., with preference in Education, and then move to France to get another certification/license to instruct there?

... ANY input would be greatly appreciated!

I always give the most stars to the best contributor. :-)

Answer 1

To teach in public schools in France, you need to pass the state certified CAPES exam. (There is also CAPET for technical materials.) I am 99.99% positive that you must hold European nationality to even be eligible for this exam. (Before French nationality was required). The exam is very selective and the number of people that pass is based on the  number job openings in that area. (So if there are 100 English teaching jobs open in France, roughly speaking only 100 of all applicants would pass the exam.)

In private schools, I am not sure. I suggest looking at some international schools' or American schools abroad websites to see what their 'recrutement' pages say. It's likely an American MA in Education would be accepted.

As for demand and salary...believe it or not, there isn't any special demand of native speaker teachers that I have seen. If a French/European can pass the CAPES they are quite certified to teach English. (There is demand for native speakers in the language assistantship program...more on this).  Furthermore, with regards to the economy, the French government is cutting budgets left and right--and unfortunately a lot from education. Lots of teachers that are retiring will not be replaced next year. Also, there have been recent reforms to certain BACs (like the BAC professionnel) to change it from 4 years to 3 years, which also cuts jobs.

Salary-I don't know what US teachers earn but given that salaries in France as a whole are typically less than in the US, I would be shocked if they earn more here. Here is the monthly salary grid proposed by the Ministry of Education (after taxes are taken out) http://www.education.gouv.fr/cid1120/rem...

Here's more info on the CAPES and becoming a certified teacher in France

http://www.education.gouv.fr/cid1058/pro...

I know you mentioned no TA positions...but here's some info on the language assistantship program where you work 12 hours a week teaching English, earning about 750 euros per month after taxes. (And your work visa and carte de sejour are sponsored by the government) It's a way to get you to France and start your teaching career.

http://www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?ru...

Another option is to teach English to adults in business. There are lots of companies that do so...but you may have difficulties with a work visa....

Hope that I answered everything! good luck!

Answer 2

don't think there are any jobs out there for Americans.  You'll have to get a work visa (extremely difficult) and then compete with British teachers, who already ARE legal.  Unless you are being hired through a program like Fullbright, you will have a very difficult time finding work in Europe.