On the occasion of a national day of mobilization, an action took place at the town’s roundabout. A nursery school teacher from the Lucie-Aubrac school in La Salvetat-Saint-Gilles is sounding the alarm about the deterioration of working conditions and the announced class closures. “In this establishment, two new class cuts are planned for the next school year, after a first closure already recorded last year. We find ourselves with some very busy classes,” explains the teacher. While a single closure would have made it possible to maintain numbers around 23 to 24 students per class, the prospect of two reductions greatly worries the teaching team. Some sections could reach 27 to 28 students, particularly in nursery schools, where supervision needs are nevertheless essential.
If the CP, CE1 and CE2 classes benefit from a capping of 24 students, the other levels are directly subject to these adjustments. A situation that complicates the daily lives of teachers and students.
Beyond the numbers, other difficulties are accumulating. The lack of replacements is regularly singled out. “With each absence, we fear that our students will be distributed to other classes,” she confides, evoking a feeling of guilt among teachers.
Support for students with disabilities also remains insufficient. Despite official notifications, AESH (accompaniers of students with disabilities) are sorely lacking “since they are never replaced in the event of absence”, underlines the teacher. A precariousness which impacts both the professionals and the children concerned.
The gradual disappearance of support systems, such as specialized RASED teachers, as well as the lack of school doctors and nurses, further accentuate the difficulties. “Every year, we see a deterioration, despite announcements of additional resources,” she laments.
Faced with these findings, the mobilization is intended to be both local and national. In the department, nearly 170 class closures have been announced. A figure which illustrates the extent of the concerns and the desire of teachers to make themselves heard with the support of the mayor and the parents present at the demonstration.
