One week after the start of the school year in Madeira, the Regional Secretary of Education, Science and Technology, Elsa Fernandes, guaranteed that "all students have a teacher and all classrooms have a teacher." The official gave a positive assessment of the first few days of classes, while acknowledging that occasional situations arise due to teachers' medical leave, which are being resolved with prompt replacements.
Responding to union criticism about an alleged teacher shortage, Elsa Fernandes countered with official data, stating that "at this moment, I do not have a teacher shortage." She explained that the placement process for contracted teachers is based on qualifications and seniority, and that no teacher was assigned to a school they had not indicated in their preferences.
On the same occasion, the Regional Secretary reported that the distribution of tablets to students is underway. It is expected that by the end of this week, all students from 6th to 9th grade, as well as those in 11th and 12th grade, will receive their devices. The delivery of tablets for 5th and 10th graders is scheduled for the following week.
