In Teresina, Brazil, public school teachers are set to receive a 6% salary increase, as announced by Mayor Sílvio Mendes. This adjustment exceeds the percentage suggested by the Ministry of Education (MEC) and will be retroactive to January of this year. Additionally, municipal workers in other sectors will receive a 5.35% salary increase, which aligns with the increments provided by both the state and federal governments. The salary hike is expected to have a considerable financial impact of approximately R$ 150 million on the city’s budget.

The decision also includes the hiring of 608 new staff members for the Municipal Department of Education (Semec) by early July, with further calls for health sector candidates by the end of the year. Mayor Mendes highlighted that this increase in payroll will amount to around R$ 39 million for the education sector alone. The municipal Secretary of Education, Ismael Silva, noted that the salary adjustments embrace a strategic move to enhance educational services and address staffing shortages in schools, reflecting a commitment to improve education quality in Teresina.

This salary adjustment is part of broader efforts to support teachers and enhance the education system in Teresina. By exceeding the guidelines set by the federal education authorities, the city aims to attract and retain skilled educators while addressing inflationary pressures. The fundamental objective is to ensure that teachers are compensated fairly, thereby motivating them to remain in the profession and improve educational outcomes for students across the municipality.