De casa às costas

: um estudo sobre percursos de vida, motivações e perspetivas de carreira dos professores deslocados a exercer no ensino público

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the life trajectories, motivation, and career perspectives of teachers working in the Portuguese public education system. The Portuguese placement system results in forced mobility within the teaching profession, affecting teachers’ well-being, family stability, and job satisfaction. In this context, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty teachers at different stages of their careers, all of whom are or have been in a situation of geographical displacement. The aim was to understand the experiences of those who, over the course of their careers, have been assigned to schools far from their usual place of residence. The analysis reveals trajectories marked by instability, financial burdens, family-related challenges, and feelings of undervaluation. Nevertheless, a strong commitment to the profession emerges, supported by intrinsic motivations, such as genuine passion for teaching, and extrinsic factors, such as favourable working conditions. It was concluded that, despite the adversities, many teachers show resilience and intend to remain in the profession until retirement. This study contributes to addressing the lack of literature on displaced teachers, highlighting the urgent need for educational policies that promote recognition, stability, and the well-being of the teaching profession.

Date of Award	10 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Diana Mesquita (Supervisor) & Filipa Sobral (Co-Supervisor)