Competitive exams in May? 70% of teachers say “no”, according to STEI

The proposal from the Valencian Ministry of Education to bring forward the 2026 teacher recruitment exams to May has sparked widespread rejection among teachers. According to a survey conducted by the STEI union of 800 people, 70% of teachers are openly against the measure, which they believe would reduce candidates' preparation time and increase pressure on schools at a critical point in the academic year. The department headed by Minister Antoni Vera proposes that the exams, usually scheduled for June, be held on May 9th and 10th. The aim is to concentrate administrative procedures, such as the allocation of positions and the management of substitute teachers, during July, thus preventing schools from starting the academic year with incomplete staff. According to the Ministry, the current schedule concentrates too many processes into a short period and creates administrative emergencies at the end of the summer. In the middle of the academic year

STEI points out that bringing forward the tests at this point in the school year affects both candidates and teachers: the former would see their study time shortened, while management and teaching teams would have to combine preparing for the competitive exams with final exams, evaluation sessions and other activities typical of May and June.

"What's needed is to streamline administrative procedures, but through consensus and negotiation with teachers' representatives, not with sudden, dramatic measures that undermine teachers' well-being and the preparation of candidates," the union points out. While they appreciate the Ministry's efforts to expedite administrative processes, they insist that improvisation could have a high cost for professionals and the quality of the school year. The controversy surrounding the calendar raises a broader debate: how to reconcile the need for efficient administrative planning with teachers' well-being and the adequate preparation of candidates. The debate remains open, and the teachers' rejection demonstrates that any changes to the calendar must involve dialogue with the unions to avoid conflicts and ensure an orderly transition.