The Teachers' Association rejects the competitive examinations in May: "They directly interfere with the final stretch of the school year"

PalmThe Professional Association of Teachers of the Balearic Islands has expressed its concern regarding the decision by the Ministry of Education to schedule the first exam in the teacher selection processes for May 9th and 10th, according to the resolution published on February 13th, and without prior agreement with the Sectoral Education Committee. The association believes that bringing forward the schedule could affect both the normal operation of schools and the guarantees of the selection process itself. Competitive examinations are regulated by Royal Decree 276/2007, most recently amended on February 5, 2026, which establishes the legal framework to guarantee the principles of merit, ability, and equality in access to the teaching profession. Despite the limitations of the current system, the Association reiterates that it remains the valid procedure for selecting the professionals who must perform an essential function within the public education service.

The organization emphasizes that the teaching profession demands a rigorous selection process conducted under optimal conditions. Future teachers will assume responsibility for the academic and personal development of students, and the quality of the education system depends, to a large extent, on the rigor with which these examinations are carried out. Until now, the competitive examinations typically began at the end of June or during July, once the regular school year had ended. However, starting them in May directly interferes with the final stretch of the school year, a particularly sensitive period for educational institutions. Complex Organization

The unions have already warned of the negative impact this decision will have on working conditions. Beyond this aspect, the College emphasizes the organizational and pedagogical impact on the entire system. Candidate teachers will have to juggle the exams—which include a written exam, a practical component, and the presentation and defense of their lesson plans—with final evaluations, coordination meetings, report writing, and direct student support. Furthermore, the new schedule could jeopardize the planning and execution of field trips and extracurricular activities scheduled for the third term, which are included in the schools' annual programs. At the same time, the members of the selection panels—teachers and inspectors—will have to shoulder an extraordinary workload at a time of peak activity in schools. According to the College, this situation could affect both the quality of education provided to students and the integrity of the selection process itself. Therefore, it urges the Regional Ministry to review the established schedule and open a space for dialogue that allows for the proper conduct of the competitive examinations while ensuring the smooth operation of schools in the final stretch of the academic year. The organization concludes that guaranteeing competitive examinations under optimal conditions is a matter of institutional responsibility and commitment to the quality of public education.