Minas Gerais candidates propose different teacher salary models

Political candidates in Minas Gerais have presented differing proposals regarding teacher compensation.

Romeu Zema, former governor of Minas Gerais and presidential candidate for Novo, proposed a performance-based remuneration system for public school teachers. Zema stated that high-performing educators could earn up to “15 salaries per year,” arguing that teachers with different performance levels should not receive identical pay.

Patrus Ananias, a candidate for the governorship of Minas Gerais representing the PT, advocated for the full implementation of the national professional wage floor. He proposed that teachers receive the full R$ 5,130.63 monthly rate, which is currently applied proportionally to the state's 24-hour work week. Ananias argued that the additional hours are necessary for study, preparation, and professional development. When questioned about the fiscal feasibility of this measure given the state's debt, Ananias suggested seeking new revenue sources by targeting large companies that do not currently pay taxes.