Extract
[...] This shows the level of expectation that the inspectors want the teacher to enforce on their students. In parallel, inspectors evaluate the methods and moral and civic principles of teachers from the Third Republic. Indeed, this is observed in the sections of the reports that relate to the morality and conduct of the teacher outside of school. In the archives, it is noted that Mr. Dumont is irreproachable in his moral behavior and in his relationships with authorities and families. [...]
[...] The inspectors under the Third Republic did not only have a mission to evaluate teachers, but also to identify weaknesses and teachers who would not bend to the ideal of the time. As Charles Péguy's expression translates, teachers should be «missionaries of the lay in the service of the nation », and that's why he was asked to work on the transmission of republican values. In the studied archives, it is stipulated several times that Ernest Dumont has good values and knows how to transmit them. [...]
[...] Then, in a second time, we will analyze the impacts on the teaching profession today and the idealistic expectations towards teachers of the Third Republic. Inspectors under the Third Republic had the order to watch over the pedagogical, moral, and civic methods of teachers in class. First, the study of the archives allows us to determine how the pedagogical dimensions were observed and evaluated. In fact, on the inspectors' reports concerning their observations in Ernest Dumont's classes, we note numerous remarks regarding the teacher's mastery and knowledge of school subjects, as well as his way of transmitting his knowledge. [...]
[...] Inspectors are given observation orders that might today be seen as intruding on private life. But to keep teachers motivated while controlling them, inspectors also have the possibility of using sanctions and encouragement. Indeed, we note in the archives several letters requesting transfers, as well as favorable responses to these requests, which seem to be rewards for the fact that Mr. Dumont is an irreproachable and motivated teacher, knowing how to manage his class and teach in the expected manner. [...]
[...] Through the study of different archives, it appears that during the Third Republic, teachers were heavily controlled. Inspectors went beyond a single inspection of teaching methods and tools, as well as professional gestures mobilized by teachers. Each fact and gesture, each thought and moral and political vision, were analyzed, so that the State could ensure that it had teachers serving the ideal model. This is why inspections were made very regularly, as shown by the numerous inspection reports present in the archives, and were very meticulous: this allowed the State to regularly ensure the pedagogical, moral, and political irreproachability of its teachers, who must also remain, throughout their career, devoted despite sometimes difficult working conditions and despite the possibility of personal health problems that can sometimes prevent working or at least being at their maximum capacity in front of a class. [...]
