As media outlets frequently discuss the teaching profession's vocational crisis, *Journal d’un prof* tells the story of a former advertiser stepping into a classroom. But will this new teacher rise to the challenge?

Journal d’un prof: A Life Transformed

Fred Leclerc previously opened up about his life in his earlier work on a failed dog adoption. In *Journal d’un prof*, he continues this autobiographical vein, now serving as writer, illustrator, and colorist. The story begins with Fred’s career crumbling—fired from his advertising job just three days before the COVID-19 lockdown. This unexpected upheaval prompts self-reflection, intensified by the confinement and the tragic death of Samuel Paty. Disillusioned with advertising, Fred seeks meaning in teaching.

With *Journal d’un prof*, Leclerc offers a candid, humorous take on this chapter of his life. He presents himself as an idealist aiming to save the world, viewing children as angels, drawing inspiration from his daughter and friends. However, his confidence falters. Despite preparing extensively for the teaching exam, he stumbles during the oral assessment. Surprisingly, he still passes.

Initially, Fred plans to juggle two careers: freelance advertising and teaching art in primary schools. But the reality of teaching quickly dawns on him. Lesson preparation proves time-consuming, and the immense pressure strains his family relationships. Well-meaning advice from relatives only adds to his frustration, especially since they haven’t set foot in a classroom for decades.

Fred’s artwork is intentionally raw and human, perfectly complementing his story. The rigid, classic page layouts keep the focus on the narrative. In contrast, the color palette avoids realism, with each chapter featuring a single dominant hue to reflect the mood.

Journal d’un prof: A Beginner’s Guide

Beyond Fred’s personal journey, the graphic novel offers insight into the challenges faced by new teachers. His experience preparing for the teaching exam highlights the system’s rigid recruitment process. However, Fred’s career path is unique: he applies for a position available only in Paris, teaching art in primary schools.

The reader quickly discovers the systemic issues within the education sector, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies. Although Fred passes the exam, a lack of resources delays his placement for a year. His first pre-term orientation feels like a horror movie. As the last hire, he’s assigned a school 1 hour and 40 minutes from his home.

*Journal d’un prof* humorously critiques the Education Ministry’s obsession with jargon and acronyms. One particularly sharp scene juxtaposes dense official texts with chaotic classroom illustrations. Fred, overwhelmed by responsibility, receives no guidance or training before the school year begins. His first formal training session only comes at the end of his first week.

Unsurprisingly, Fred’s early days are a nightmare. He struggles to manage his class, and the drawings vividly convey the constant noise and chaos, almost allowing readers to hear the children’s screams. Despite these challenges, he gradually grows attached to his students, gaining a deeper understanding of their psychology. A pedagogical researcher’s preface adds an optimistic note, highlighting Fred’s progress. He also finds support from fellow teachers and his mentor, learning both theory and practice along the way.

Leclerc takes the opportunity to showcase the diverse roles within a school, paying tribute to the underpaid but dedicated aides for students with disabilities, who earn a mere €700 per month.

Despite its dense themes, *Journal d’un prof* is an accessible read, structured into chronological and thematic chapters—“Before the School Year,” “First Class,” etc. However, it’s revealed rather late in the story that Fred is a trainee teacher. Additionally, the depiction of authority remains traditional: teachers must be strict and maintain a facade of control. Fred struggles to adopt this approach, often at odds with his natural disposition.

Published by La Boîte à Bulles, *Journal d’un prof* chronicles a year of emotional highs and lows. The story begins with a teacher considering quitting but evolves as Fred finds a mentor who offers him a key to growth. This new teacher seeks an ideal but confronts the complex reality of managing a classroom.

Explore more biographies from the same publisher with À quoi pensent les Russes and Yougo.