700 more teachers to join Canary Islands schools for the next academic year
Schools in the Canary Islands will have 700 extra teachers from September, as part of a government plan to reduce the number of pupils in each class, when the new school year starts on Tuesday, 9th September, across the islands.
The Department of Education says the increase will ensure there are enough staff to cover the needs of pupils and to improve the quality of learning. The move follows an agreement made earlier this year with teaching unions.
Education Minister Poli Suárez said the changes will “improve learning conditions, support inclusion, and respond to the requests of families.”
Where the New Teachers Will Go
- Support for special needs: 168 new specialists and 140 counsellors will be hired to help children who need extra support.
- Infant and Primary schools: 186 more teachers will be added, creating 114 new classes for younger children.
- Vocational Training (FP): 290 new teachers will allow 81 new groups to be set up, including technical and adapted courses.
Smaller Class Sizes by 2027
The long-term plan aims to lower the maximum number of pupils per class to:
- 16–20 in Infant Education,
- 22 in Primary,
- 25 in Secondary (ESO).
This will be phased in over the next three years.
What This Means for Parents and Families
For local and expat families alike, the extra teachers and smaller classes mean:
- More individual attention for each child.
- Better support for children with learning difficulties or special needs.
- A calmer classroom environment, with fewer pupils per teacher.
- Improved opportunities in vocational and technical training for older students.
A Note for English-Speaking Expat Families
The reinforcement of staff also benefits children from abroad who may still be learning Spanish. With more teachers and counsellors available, schools will be better equipped to:
- Provide extra help with language learning,
- Support children in adapting to the Spanish education system, and
- Make classrooms more inclusive for students from different backgrounds.
This is expected to ease integration for English-speaking pupils and give parents greater confidence in the local school system.
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