professeur des écoles
The English phrase "preschool teacher" is professeur des écoles in French.
This phrase refers to a teacher who educates children in the years before they start primary school. In France, the term covers both early childhood and elementary education, unlike in English which often distinguishes between a preschool teacher and a primary teacher.
Which one should you use?
While professeur des écoles is the standard term, other forms exist depending on the context. Enseignant de maternelle and Professeur de maternelle are also used to specify a preschool teacher.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
professeur des écoles is the official administrative title for a primary and preschool teacher in France. For more formal contexts, you can also use Enseignant de maternelle or Professeur de maternelle. In informal settings, children often refer to a female preschool teacher as Maîtresse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term Éducatrice de la petite enfance is used to refer to a preschool teacher.
Did you know?
- In France, the informal term maîtresse for a female teacher is a shortened form of maîtresse d'école, which literally means 'mistress of the school'.
- The word professeur traces its roots back to the Latin 'profiteri', meaning 'to declare openly' or 'to affirm'.
- While professeur des écoles is the official title, a preschool teacher in France is often referred to as an instituteur or institutrice in everyday conversation.
Examples in context
- Mon ami travaille en tant qu'enseignant de maternelle.My friend works as a preschool teacher.
- J'adore quand la maîtresse d'école maternelle raconte des histoires.I love it when the preschool teacher tells stories.
- Notre institutrice de maternelle est très patiente avec les enfants.Our preschool teacher is very patient with the children.
- Monsieur Dupont, professeur de maternelle, pourriez-vous me parler de la progression de mon enfant?Mr. Dupont, preschool teacher, could you talk to me about my child's progress?
- Madame Martin, maîtresse d'école maternelle, merci pour votre dévouement envers les enfants.Mrs. Martin, preschool teacher, thank you for your dedication to the children.
- Elle est professeur des écoles.She is a preschool teacher.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing their careers.
- HugoQuel est ton métier, Chloé ?What is your job, Chloé?
- ChloéJe suis professeur des écoles.I am a preschool teacher.
- HugoC'est génial d'enseigner aux petits !It's great to teach little children!
- ChloéOui, j'adore mon travail.Yes, I love my job.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, professeur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
