A survey by the civic movement Missão Escola Pública finds large gaps in staffing: about one third of schools reported teacher shortages during the first term, with problems spreading into the Centro and Norte regions and retirements flagged as a contributing factor. School leaders warn of repeated class disruptions and reliance on temporary cover, prompting calls for faster hiring and retention measures. Parents and those arranging schooling should confirm local staffing and contingency plans with individual schools.