A new debate over education has erupted in the Madrid region. The head of the Madrid autonomous community, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has announced a plan aimed at addressing the shortage of mathematics teachers in schools. Among the proposed measures is allowing senior students and graduates from engineering and science faculties to teach in classrooms.
Particular attention was drawn to the measure allowing even third-year university students from relevant fields to temporarily teach classes. This approach sparked sharp criticism from the opposition and unions, who argue that such steps do not address the system’s underlying problems, but merely disguise them. Critics claim the authorities ignore the difficult working conditions faced by current teachers and show no intention of improving their situation.
At the same time, the regional government insists that, if needed, they will push for changes to national legislation to implement this plan. Current regulations explicitly prohibit individuals without the appropriate diploma and professional qualifications from teaching. However, Madrid officials are prepared to ask the central government for exceptions.
Alongside this, other initiatives are also under discussion in the region: from tax benefits for vocational students to restrictions on gadget use during lessons. However, the idea of involving students in mathematics teaching has come as a real surprise to the public.
Trade unions insist that the main reason for the staffing shortage is not the lack of specialists, but unattractive working conditions and low salaries. According to them, many qualified candidates do not pass the complicated selection procedures, and then are offered temporary contracts with minimal guarantees. Opposition politicians point out that teacher salaries in the region have not changed since 2008, despite economic growth.
Spain’s Ministry of Education compared the idea to having medical students perform surgeries due to a shortage of doctors. They emphasize that teaching requires not only subject knowledge, but also pedagogical training. When it comes to graduates of engineering and science fields, the ministry believes a special permit at the legislative level would be needed, similar to what was done during the pandemic. However, in some regions, such practices are already in place despite no formal legislative changes.
Overall, the Madrid authorities’ initiative has sparked a wave of criticism and cast doubt on the quality of education in the region. The discussion continues, and the fate of the plan remains uncertain.
