The shortage of teachers in Portugal is the central theme of this article, which addresses the tension between academic and scientific knowledge on the issue and the need for concrete political decisions to resolve it. The title shows that the problem is not only a matter of diagnosis, but also of political will.
The article warns of the need to overcome the current approach of annual management of the teacher shortage, which has been the predominant practice in the Portuguese education system. This temporary management does not resolve the structural causes of the problem and perpetuates a cycle of continuous teacher shortages in schools.
The text argues that it is imperative to move from an emergency management logic to the implementation of a structured national policy. This policy should aim at the integral reconstruction of the teaching profession, covering issues such as initial training, working conditions, career development, and professional valorization.
The article thus calls for a profound transformation in how the country approaches teaching, recognizing that without a long-term national strategy, the shortage of teachers will continue to compromise the quality of the Portuguese education system.
