In the Algarve, teachers are giving up the schools they are assigned to: High rents magnify the education crisis

The debate about teacher shortages in Portugal has merged with the housing crisis in the Algarve. It is reported that some teachers assigned to schools in Aljezur gave up their jobs because they could not find affordable housing in the region.

The problem occurs despite the financial support the government provides to displaced teachers.

There is a teacher but he cannot find a house to live in the area.

According to Paulo Esteves, director of the Aljezur school group, one of the main reasons why teachers refuse or give up after being appointed is the difficulty of finding long-term and affordable housing in the area.

In municipalities in the Algarve where tourism and short-term rentals are intense, the supply of houses that teachers can rent during the school year is limited.

The price of available housing can pose a serious burden on the income of teachers, especially at the beginning of their careers.

Moving support did not completely solve the problem

The government is providing extraordinary relocation support for some teachers working in regions where teacher shortages are more intense.

However, the Aljezur example shows that just making additional payments may not be enough.

If the teacher cannot find long-term rental housing in the area, financial support alone does not guarantee acceptance of the position.

Education and housing crisis meet at the same point

Since there are no teachers in Lisbon recently, some students cannot be admitted to school. brought the teacher shortage to the agenda again.

The situation in the Algarve shows a different dimension of the problem: teachers can be appointed to some positions, but the high cost of housing makes it difficult for staff to stay in the region.

This situation turns the housing issue of public employees into a broader debate, especially in the Algarve, Lisboa and other regions with high rent pressure.

The example from Aljezur also shows that the teacher shortage is not only related to the number of recruits, but also to the ability of the appointed staff to live in the region where they work.

Resources

Portugal Resident — 17 September 2026

https://www.portugalresident.com/algarve-teachers-housing-costs-aljezur/