Questioned about the figures presented today, estimating that around 93,000 students are without teachers, Fernando Alexandre stated that there are “hundreds of teachers being allocated”, noting that today only 60% of schools begin classes, while 40% are scheduled to start next week.
“Of course, we need to place more teachers, but that is achieved with the measures we are implementing, such as relocation support, for example, because teachers are concentrated in the North. Those who are not placed are concentrated in the North”, the official said.
The minister spoke on the sidelines of a ceremony signing collaboration agreements for the opening and operation of preschool classrooms with five municipalities in the Algarve region, a project set to expand to six municipalities in the region.
Fernando Alexandre expressed that the school year “is starting normally” and that having one teacher unplaced “does not mean students are without classes,” emphasizing that the process of allocating teachers “is continuous”.
“Every week, we have teachers taking medical leave, retiring; there are always needs being covered,” he noted, acknowledging that there are challenges that “cannot be resolved overnight”.
The minister stressed the need for incentives to encourage teachers to move to regions far from their residence, “which have increased costs,” such as the Algarve and Lisbon, where it is more expensive, and these are the measures being taken to address the situation.
Fernando Alexandre also praised the “enormous” effort made by teachers and school directors to ensure the school year starts normally.
“I have been in very challenging schools, from Greater Lisbon to the Setúbal Peninsula, today I am in the Algarve, and what all the directors tell me is that, obviously, with their great effort, with the great effort of the teachers, students are generally having classes in all subjects”, he concluded.
An estimate suggests that around 93,000 students are without teachers, according to requests made by schools today, warning that the teachers still available to fill the vacancies may not be those sought by schools.
An estimate suggests that around 93,000 students are without teachers, according to requests made by schools today, warning that the teachers still available to fill the vacancies may not be those sought by schools.
Lusa | 12:39 – 12/09/2025
There is even a group in the Lisbon area where, as of this morning, 12 first-cycle teachers still need to be placed, added Francisco Gonçalves, also a secretary-general, during a press conference today.
