Portuguese Schools Face Shortage of Over 800 Teachers at Start of Academic Year
Portugal is facing a severe shortage of teachers as the new academic year begins, with over 800 educators missing from schools, according to the National Teachers’ Federation (Fenprof). This shortage is expected to leave around 200,000 students without a teacher for at least one subject. The situation has worsened over the past year, with more than 14,500 teachers leaving the profession in the last six years, leading to a lack of young teachers.
Factors contributing to the shortage include low salaries, heavy workloads, and placements far from home, making it difficult to find teachers for certain schools. The Portuguese government has proposed measures to address the issue, such as extending the retirement age for teachers and encouraging retired educators to return to the profession. However, these measures may not be enough to fill the gap.
Education Minister Fernando Alexandre has acknowledged the devaluation of the teaching profession and has promised to revise the Teaching Career Statute. Negotiations with teaching unions are set to begin in October, with the process expected to be completed within a year.
The shortage of teachers is not unique to Portugal, as 23 other EU member states are also facing similar challenges. This shortage not only impacts students’ learning but also hinders efforts to provide quality education. Countries such as Sweden, Germany, and Italy are among the most affected by the lack of teaching staff, according to the European Commission’s “Education and Training Monitor 2023” report.
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