Educators Voice Concerns Over Worsening School Environment

Staff members at fabien Collage in Saint-Denis have publicly declared thier unwavering support for their striking colleagues at Henri Barbusse College.Teh strike stems from what educators describe as an unsustainable and deteriorating work environment, highlighting a growing crisis within the Seine-Saint-Denis educational system.

Unacceptable Pressures and Lack of Dialog Fuel Discontent

For months, consistent reports have painted a grim picture of the Henri Barbusse College, citing a toxic work atmosphere, unacceptable hierarchical pressures, and a distinct lack of open dialogue from the management. These conditions, educators argue, are not only detrimental to the staff’s well-being but also compromise the quality of public education and negatively impact students.

These conditions seriously affect the proper functioning of the establishment, the quality of the public education service, and the well-being of staff and also students.

Statement from Fabien College Staff

A Call for Respect, Justice, and Improved Working Conditions

The Fabien College staff commended the “courage and determination” of their striking counterparts, emphasizing that their mobilization is a defense of not only their own working conditions but also the core values of respect, active listening, and justice within the national education system. This action underscores a broader concern about the erosion of these values within the French educational landscape.

Systemic Issues Exacerbate Local Crisis

The situation at Henri Barbusse College is further elaborate by long-standing, systemic problems plaguing the Seine-Saint-Denis department and the educational sector as a whole. These issues include:

• Staffing Shortages: Persistent failure to replace departing personnel.
• Inadequate Support Services: Insufficient numbers of health and social work professionals in a region with high demand for these essential resources. According to a 2024 report by the National Observatory of Social Work, Seine-Saint-Denis has the lowest ratio of school social workers to students in the country.
• Insufficient Funding: An inadequate global hourly endowment (DHG) that prevents the implementation of smaller class sizes in many subjects, a practice that was previously common.

These challenges contribute to a gradual decline in teaching conditions, placing a significant burden on both students and educational staff. The lack of resources directly impacts the ability to provide individualized attention and support to students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Urgent appeal to Educational Hierarchy

The staff at Fabien College are imploring the educational hierarchy to fully grasp the severity of the situation at Henri Barbusse College. They urge administrators to listen to the legitimate demands of the striking staff and to take swift action to restore a calm and respectful work environment. The call for action highlights the urgent need for systemic change to address the underlying issues contributing to the crisis.

Solidarity and the Future of Education

The show of solidarity from Fabien College underscores the growing frustration among educators in Seine-Saint-Denis. The situation at Henri Barbusse College serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the French education system and the urgent need for thorough reforms to ensure a supportive and effective learning environment for all students.The future of education in the region hinges on addressing these systemic issues and fostering a culture of respect, dialogue, and justice.