The shortage of teachers in Madeira was the central theme of a meeting between the Madeira Teachers' Union (SPM) and the Regional Education Secretary, Elsa Fernandes. Both parties agreed this is the main challenge facing the regional education system.
Francisco Oliveira, SPM president, called for a concerted strategy and proposed dedicated meetings to address the issue. He warned that the situation could worsen without effective measures to attract and retain teachers. The union also demands the immediate recognition of three years of service not yet counted towards the career of teachers who joined in 2011, with effects expected in 2027.
The SPM also proposed adopting the national scheme that allows graduates with scientific training, but without professionalization, to be remunerated at the first career level. These teachers are an important recruitment source but earn less in Madeira and require more pedagogical training. The union also suggests a joint reflection to attract more young people to the teaching profession, as current candidates only meet about 20% of the needs.
