A debate has erupted in the Madrid region of Spain over new proposals to address the staffing crisis in schools. Madrid authorities have suggested allowing not only current teachers, but also retirees and university students who have not yet finished their studies to teach math classes.
The head of the region’s education department has asked the ministry to reconsider existing regulations. In his view, current qualification requirements are too strict and prevent a swift resolution of the teacher shortage. As a temporary measure, he proposes allowing engineering graduates, senior university students, and retired teachers with prior teaching experience to work in schools.
The Ministry of Education, however, is in no rush to endorse such changes. Officials insist that professional training and a specialized diploma are essential to maintaining high standards in education. Unions have also voiced concerns, arguing that these steps could lower the status of the teaching profession and worsen working conditions for educators.
The Madrid authorities justify their position by pointing to an emergency situation: the shortage of math teachers is felt not only in the region but throughout the country, as well as in other European states. As part of the so-called ‘Mathematics Rescue Plan,’ around 800,000 students in 1,500 schools are expected to benefit. In addition to recruiting new staff, the program calls for regular professional development for current teachers and the introduction of new teaching methods.
At the same time, there is a proposal to allow retired teachers to return on flexible terms and to permit students to start teaching from their third year at university. Authorities cite experience from the pandemic, when similar measures were used and, in their view, produced positive results.
However, not all stakeholders in the education sector support these changes. Parents’ associations insist that the country already has enough qualified specialists, and that the administration’s task is to provide decent working conditions. Unions point to low salaries and outdated school buildings, which they believe discourage young professionals from the teaching profession.
In the near future, Madrid schools plan to introduce daily short mental arithmetic lessons for younger students, as well as distribute special teaching materials for teachers. Authorities insist that these measures aim to boost interest in mathematics and improve student performance, but debates continue over acceptable compromises between the quality and quantity of teaching staff.
