In the Algarve, the school year began with at least 126 teachers missing, which will affect around 13,000 students.

According to a report by Sul Informação, the groups with the greatest shortage are those in special education, Portuguese and history.

“In general terms [and compared to the previous year], there is an increase in the shortage of teachers as there are more timetables to be allocated to specific groups”, João Pereira from FENPROF told Sul Informação.

According to the same source, the municipalities with the most teacher shortages were Faro (18), Lagos (15), Silves (14), and Portimão, Loulé and Olhão (13).

Although the teacher shortage affects schools across the country, the Algarve, Alentejo and Lisbon are the areas most affected.

“In the north, we have more teachers being trained, teachers who also end up choosing to stay there”, explained João Pereira.