In Catalonia, teachers are demonstrating their unrest through a strike, highlighting the severe underfunding and lack of resources necessary to effectively support students with special needs. The situation at school Joan Maragall in Sabadell illustrates the critical challenges educators face, with a limited number of special education teachers assigned to manage a growing population of students requiring significant attention. In fact, two special education teachers and a support worker struggle to meet the needs of nine students with learning disorders, while more than a dozen additional students await proper diagnoses.

As the number of students with severe special needs increases, teachers are expressing their frustration about the inadequacy of support available to them and the implications this has for student learning and classroom dynamics. The principal of Joan Maragall school, Cristina Amat, stresses that the insufficient support leads to a challenging environment for both students and teachers. The lack of adequate resources not only hinders the quality of education that can be provided to students but also exacerbates the feelings of inadequacy felt by teachers, who often feel they are being questioned regarding their capacities to deliver effective education under such circumstances.

The broader implications of this strike point towards a systemic issue within the educational framework in Spain, particularly in regions like Catalonia where funding disparities may lead to varying educational outcomes. The strike signifies a deeper call for change, emphasizing the urgent need for improved funding and resources to ensure that all students receive the support they deserve, and that educators can perform their roles effectively without feeling overwhelmed or underappreciated.