The school year formally kicks off by Monday, but many institutions open their doors today to welcome students back.
The ongoing shortage of teachers remains a significant issue as thousands of students begin the year without assigned instructors for at least one subject.
The Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation stated that at least 98% of schools will provide classes in all subjects, though around 1,000 full-time positions remain unfilled.
The total number of students missing out on some subjects has yet to be determined. However, in a recent interview, Fernando Alexandre assured that current school needs are “much less” than the number of unplaced teachers.
“Over 20,000 qualified teachers are not placed,” said the official, noting that most reside in the north, whereas demands are primarily in Lisbon, Alentejo, and Algarve – regions where housing and travel costs are prohibitive.
In response, the Government launched an extraordinary competition with nearly 1,800 positions to bring teachers to high-need areas, although results will only be available after classes commence.
In addition to teacher shortages, schools are challenged by a lack of linguistic and cultural mediators to aid immigrant students’ integration.
Last academic year saw the hiring of over 200 mediators during the second term, and more professionals will be added. However, recruitment is ongoing.
Filinto Lima, president of the National Association of Principals of Public School Clusters (ANDAEP), expressed concerns that schools, even those previously supported by mediators, must recruit anew since contracts ending in August could not be renewed. Lima’s comments were made in an interview for Lusa Extra, airing Friday.
Over the past two school years, the number of foreign students has doubled to more than 140,000, all of whom will begin without cultural and linguistic support.
For teachers, the new year starts with anticipation surrounding the long-awaited review of the Teaching Career Statute.
The negotiation process stalled with the fall of Luis Montenegro’s first Government. However, the Education Minister has promised to resume talks with unions in September to begin negotiations.
