The figures were presented by Fenprof’s Secretary-General, José Feliciano Costa, who addressed MPs about the risk of certain subjects lacking teachers if timely action is not taken.
“More than 1,300 teaching positions are currently open for school contracting, which means they are not filled,” he added.
“The minister mentioned 20,000 candidates, but in reality, there are 14,000,” said the Fenprof leader before the Education Committee during a discussion on a petition, supported by 15,000 signatories, calling for the enhancement of the teaching profession.
Fenprof hopes the negotiation for the Teaching Career Statute will commence this month.
“This enhancement should have been addressed long ago. We remain concerned,” he stated.
Fenprof’s unions prioritize the career structure, particularly the early stages, to attract more young people to the profession.
The federation is also focusing on the quotas and vacancies at higher levels, criticizing the performance evaluation process as being “stifled by a system” they deem punitive.
Working conditions were also highlighted as “very important” by union leaders who shared teachers’ concerns with the parliament today.
“There are a series of illegalities and irregularities in work schedules that exceed 35 hours,” José Feliciano Costa exemplified.
According to Secretary-General Francisco Gonçalves, out of 127,000 tenured teachers in December, two-thirds are over 50 years old. Approximately 4,000 teachers retire annually over the next 15 to 20 years, he noted.
“The number of new entrants is significantly lower, around a thousand. It doesn’t cover the 4,000,” he indicated. Lisbon and Setúbal are the regions most affected by teacher shortages, followed by Leiria, Beja, and Faro.
“The number of teacher candidates is the lowest ever,” he emphasized.
In response to the concerns expressed by the union structure, PSD deputy Maria Inês Barroso reiterated the intention to revise and enhance the teaching career throughout the legislature, consistent with the government’s program.
Chega deputy Rui Cardoso challenged the union activity and professionalism of Fenprof leaders, including former Secretary-General Mário Nogueira, using harsh terms and accusing them of not working, prompting the chair to request that proceedings be conducted with civility and respect.
“If you were my student, I’d expel you,” responded José Feliciano Costa in his closing remarks, addressing Chega’s intervention: “Just as you are a deputy sitting there, I will never ask if you have ever worked in your life.”
Francisco Gonçalves specified that out of the four Fenprof members present at the commission, three are teaching, and the one not teaching this year had done so last year.
“Fenprof has some full-time leaders when necessary, but the others teach and are in schools,” he said.
