Teacher recruitment and teacher education in times of teacher shortages. The situation in France – challenges, characteristics, and possible solutions

France, like many other European countries, is experiencing a severe teacher shortage, which has been exacerbated by declining recruitment rates and increasing attrition. The specific characteristics of the French teacher education system – low salary, centralised competitive examinations, rigid geographic assignments, and challenging working conditions – contribute to the profession’s low attractiveness. This article discusses and analyses the causes of teacher shortages in France, highlights their impact on education quality, and examines recent policy measures, including the 2025 reform project of the French Teacher Education system, which will drastically change teacher training.