Public education secretaries in Brazil are actively engaging the Ministry of Education (MEC) to oppose a proposed regulation that would decrease the minimum requirement for in-person classes in teacher training programs. This new rule, supported by the technical sector of the MEC, seeks to lower the requirement from 50% to 40% for in-person instruction, which has been met with significant resistance from educational organizations representing these secretaries. In an official letter addressed to Education Minister Camilo Santana and the National Council of Education (CNE), they argue that these proposed changes would constitute a regression in educational quality.

The controversy arises from the MEC's shift towards accepting online education, particularly following a period of strict opposition to distance learning methods. Under the current administration of President Lula, the MEC had initiated a crackdown on distance education in teacher training, emphasizing the need for face-to-face learning to ensure the quality of education delivered by future teachers. However, the recent move to adjust the percentage of mandatory in-person classes signals a potential departure from this stance, raising concerns among educators and administrators about maintaining educational standards.

The new resolution regarding these teaching requirements is still under review at the CNE, but the proposal originated from the Melo's Education and Supervision Department (Seres), suggesting that there is a significant momentum behind reforming teacher training criteria. As discussions continue, education leaders are likely to ramp up their lobbying efforts to ensure that teacher preparation remains rooted in substantial in-person training, vital for fostering effective teaching practices and student engagement in Brazilian schools.