In cultivating mutually professional relationships I have decided to explore my second professional connection. In order to learn more about France’s model of Universal education for all and their clear expectations for curriculum that should be taught, as well as professional development and training for their teachers I spoke with Jackie Raiola.

What issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you live and work?

 Jackie Raiola is an educator in a école maternelle classroom, the ‘ecoles maternelles are sometimes referred to as the “crown jewels” of France because they believe that preschool is where everything starts, and this is an important part of their society.

Some important issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals that are being discussed in France right now are; how can there youngest citizens contribute to society and the national universal curriculum that is always evolving and changing.

France has a national curriculum; unlike the U.S. which has a state curriculum, therefore all educators have clear expectations for teaching children from the age of 2 all the way up to secondary school. The overall goal of the universal curriculum is to individualize and bring out the best in every child, therefore teachers have the ability to decide how they want to teach the curriculum.

What opportunities and/or requirements for professional development exist?

In France every teacher has to have a Bachelor’s Degree in some other field before they study education. A teacher’s test scores on the teacher exam determine where their teaching assignment will be. If accepted into the teaching program, perspective teachers will be assigned to teacher training, after completing their first years of study and they are payed by the government during this time. The teaching field is very competitive in France. Early Childhood teachers complete all the same assessments as all other levels of teaching and besides an oral exam they must complete a physical fitness exam. Jackie took an exam in English language (her first language), French language, swimming and biology.

What are some of your professional goals?

French teachers are every bit considered professionals. Every French teachers receive a very high salary and recognition for their contribution to the field. Every French teacher, no matter what level they teach receives a total of 36 weeks paid professional development if they make teaching their career choice. My professional goals are to continue staying abreast on current trends in early childhood and to continue mentoring younger teaching professionals.

What are some of your professional hopes, dreams, and challenges?

Being from the U.S. I would love to return and teach some of what I have learned about Universal Education to politicians, educators, and economist. An important thing to remember when comparing educational systems is the size of a country and hurtles and challenges they have to overcome. Even though the French model works well for France it may not work for the U.S. There are several similarities when it comes to outcomes and expectations but delivery and teacher preparation is very different.