Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Fernando Alexandre acknowledged that Portugal will face a structural shortage of teachers for several years. The statement follows reports from the National Federation of Teachers (Federação Nacional dos Professores or Fenprof) that over 2,600 teaching vacancies remain unfilled just days before the school year begins.
Education Minister admits structural teacher shortage
Tuesday, 1 September 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Fernando Alexandre is the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation in Portugal's current government, which took office in April 2024. An economist by training, he previously served as a Secretary of State and is now responsible for managing the national school system and university funding. He recently sparked debate by suggesting that university tuition fees should be adjusted to account for inflation.
Fenprof is the National Federation of Teachers (Federação Nacional dos Professores), the main public‑school teachers' union in Portugal that represents teachers in pay, working conditions and education reforms. Its criticism matters because Fenprof can organize strikes and mobilise teachers, which directly affects school operations and the implementation of government changes — something families and expat educators should monitor.
4 sources
- Portugal to have a new universityThe Portugal News ·
- Schools have 2,650 teaching vacancies to fill days before the start of the school yearrtp.pt ·
- Minister of Education acknowledges structural shortage of teacherscmjornal.pt ·
- Teacher shortage? "We will have it for a few years," admits Minister of Educationeco.sapo.pt ·
