Brazil is making significant strides to reform its educational system, focusing on providing tangible support for both teachers and students as it enters the year 2025. Among the key initiatives is a substantial increase to the teaching salary floor and the rollout of the Pé-de-Meia program, both of which aim to bolster educational quality and accessibility.
On March 5, 2025, adjustments to the salary of teachers were set to be deposited retroactively from January 1, 2025. According to the State Treasury, this supplementary payroll will include R$ 67.6 million directed at enhancing the financial well-being of educators. "They will receive at least the new national floor of R$ 4,867.79 for 40 hours of work, which is the entry-level salary for teachers with degrees," stated the SecomRS, highlighting the government's commitment to improving conditions for teachers.
With the new salary adjustments, the anticipated financial impact on the state's budget is considerable, with estimates around R$ 437 million annually. This increase is extended to all active, retired, and deceased teachers’ beneficiaries qualifying for salary parity.
Another significant advancement is the launch of the Pé-de-Meia program, created under Law 14.818/2024. This program serves as financial assistance for low-income students enrolled in public high schools and Adult Education (EJA) and targets individuals registered with the Federal Government's Social Program CadÚnico. The program is not just limited to high school but also includes aspiring educators pursuing degrees through various financing options like Prouni, Sisu, or Fies.
The eligibility criteria for Pé-de-Meia include students aged 14 to 24 years old for high schools, and those aged 19 to 24 for EJA. Beneficiaries are expected to demonstrate academic commitment by achieving at least 650 points on the ENEM exam. According to the SEB, "The Pé-de-Meia program is aimed at providing financial incentives to low-income public school students and adults who are enrolled as part of the Government's social programs," emphasizing the initiative's goals of fostering educational advancement.
Financial incentives under Pé-de-Meia vary by the educational level attended. High school students can receive up to R$ 3,000 upon graduation and R$ 200 for ENEM participation. EJA students can access similar funding, ensuring counterpart support across educational platforms. The administration of these funds will be performed through the Caixa Econômica Federal, which facilitates automatic enrollment for high school and adult students, though additional steps are required for candidates of public institutions of higher learning.
This financial strategy is complemented by modifications to the Exame Nacional para Certificação de Competências de Jovens e Adultos (Encceja), set for August 24, 2025. Traditionally, the Encceja provides certification for individuals who did not complete their basic education. Unfortunately, the exam has seen high levels of absenteeism, often exceeding 50% of registered candidates. To counter this trend, regulatory changes have been implemented, including mandatory justifications for absences from previous years’ exams, with penalties such as a R$ 40 fee for those lacking valid reasons.
'We are emphasizing responsibility by requiring justifications for those who missed last year's exam, ensuring only dedicated candidates participate,' explained Inep representatives, denoting this as part of their efforts to optimize public resources and raise educational standards.
The key dates for Encceja include registration from May 5 to 17, 2025, with examination results released by December. This strategically timed recruitment is expected not only to improve attendance but also to facilitate smoother logistics surrounding the exam's administration.
Accessibility has also been prioritized within these educational reforms. Accommodations for persons with disabilities among candidates aiming for basic education certification through the Encceja include alternative test formats. Enhanced provisions also allow individuals to utilize their social names, reinforcing inclusivity across educational testing environments.
Through these combined efforts—enhanced teacher salaries, financial support for students, and more stringent regulations on educational examinations—Brazil is setting the stage for potential improvements not just within classroom walls but across broader communities. The twin aims of quality education and equitable support for diverse learners are beginning to take shape, offering hope for significant advancements within the national education system.