Teacher training in Portugal and Brazil

Convergences, divergences and challenges

Abstract

In Portugal, teacher education is governed by the Legal Framework for Initial Teacher Education, which establishes detailed and specific standards for teacher qualification and professionalization. Initial training for primary and secondary education requires a degree in Basic Education (LEBEN), followed by a professional master’s degree in the teaching area. In Brazil, the teacher education system is primarily regulated by the National Education Guidelines and Framework Law (LDB) and the National Curriculum Guidelines (DCN), under the guidance of the Ministry of Education (MEC) and the National Education Council (CNE). Additionally, incentive policies such as the Institutional Program of Teaching Initiation Scholarships (PIBID) and pedagogical residency programs aim to strengthen practice and ongoing training. Both countries require higher education for teachers, combining theory and pedagogical practice with school internships. However, Portugal adopts a two-stage training model (bachelor’s and master’s), while Brazil offers licensure programs that integrate pedagogical and subject-specific training into a single cycle.