Gérard Barbier (Coluche), a recently dismissed clothing salesman, takes on a new role as a school teacher in Paris suburb. As he navigates the challenges of his new profession, Frédéric's simple approach to teaching often leads to humorous results. Meanwhile, Gérard's co-workers, including Jacqueline Lajoie (Josiane Balasko), a depressed teacher, and Charlotte (Charlotte de Turckheim), his fiancée, must deal with their own personal struggles alongside the ups and downs of teaching.