The education sector in France is hiring, but not uniformly. The needs are concentrated in specific disciplines, identified territories, and sometimes lesser-known roles to the general public. Understanding where the real job opportunities in education lie allows for an effective job search, whether aiming for a permanent position or a quick entry as a contract worker.
Contract positions in teaching: an underestimated entry point
Are you looking to teach without immediately taking an exam? The recruitment of contract workers today represents a concrete access route, especially in secondary education. The share of contract workers reaches about 11% in middle and high schools, compared to 3% in primary education.
This difference is explained by the difficulty in filling certain positions in high-demand subjects: mathematics, modern literature, German, or technology. Academies regularly publish job offers aimed at candidates holding a bachelor’s degree, without requiring the CAPES or aggregation exam.
A contract position does not guarantee the stability or pay of a permanent teacher, but it allows one to test the profession and gain recognized experience for a future exam registration. To keep track of these offers throughout the year, job postings on the EduNews site cover various fields within the education sector.
AESH employment: a rapidly growing recruitment volume
The role of supporting students with disabilities (AESH) is rarely mentioned among “career opportunities.” However, it constitutes one of the largest recruitment pools in the National Education system. As of the 2024 school year, there were 134,800 AESH employed, a number that has been steadily increasing for several years.
The sought-after profile is accessible: a high school diploma or experience in support is sufficient in most cases. The demand remains strong, driven by the increasing number of students receiving notification from the MDPH.
The attractiveness of the position is limited by employment conditions. Contracts are often part-time, with modest pay. Recent legislative changes aim to improve this status, but the path to true professional recognition remains long. Nevertheless, this position offers a direct entry into the school environment and can lead to other educational roles.
Teaching exams 2024: where unfilled positions are concentrated
The exam remains the main route to becoming a permanent teacher in France. The shortage of candidates is concentrated in certain disciplines and territories, not across the entire system. The OECD estimated the number of unfilled positions in France at about 2,900, a figure that, when compared to the total teaching staff, remains proportionally low.
The most affected academies are often located in Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, or overseas territories. Scientific subjects and modern languages are among the most deficient.
Disciplines and areas to watch to increase your chances
Targeting a deficit academy significantly increases the chances of securing a position on the first attempt. The mechanism is simple: fewer candidates for a stable or increasing number of positions.
- Mathematics, physics-chemistry, and computer science regularly show higher rates of unfilled positions compared to other disciplines
- German and classical literature also struggle to attract enough qualified candidates
- The academies of Créteil, Versailles, and Amiens are among those offering the most positions in the inter-academic movement
Preparing for an exam in a high-demand discipline, even if it’s not your initial specialty, can be a strategic choice for quickly achieving permanent status.
Continuing education and career change towards education jobs
The education sector is not limited to classroom teaching. Positions such as principal education advisor, national education psychologist, or trainer also exist in the public sector. These roles require a master’s degree and passing a specific exam, but they offer different career paths than traditional teaching.
For individuals undergoing a career change, several programs allow for funding to resume studies or prepare for exams. INSPE (national higher institutes for teaching and education) welcome adults transitioning careers each year.
The private education sector is also hiring
Professional training companies, tutoring organizations, and EdTech represent a growing parallel market. These organizations seek educational profiles to design content, lead sessions, or support learners remotely.
- Professional training organizations are hiring trainers in technical fields (digital, ecological transition, management)
- Online tutoring has expanded its needs for qualified teachers, particularly for high school and post-baccalaureate levels
- Instructional design roles (training engineering) are developing in companies that internalize their training offerings
A degree in education sciences or teaching experience opens doors well beyond the classroom. The job market in education in 2024 rewards those who target the right territories, the right disciplines, and the right organizations.
