The Ministry of Education of Peru announced on April 10 the launch of the 2026 Teacher Promotion Competition for Basic Education, inviting teachers in the Public Teaching Career to participate in a process aimed at professional development and improved compensation based on merit.
This initiative is significant as it offers teachers opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries, which range from S/3,850 to S/9,801 depending on their achieved scale and working hours. The competition is expected to draw about 135,000 participants from across the country.
Registration will take place from Thursday, April 16 through Monday, May 4, 2026 via an online application available on the contest website. Eligible applicants must be between the first and seventh teaching scales, meet minimum tenure requirements in their current scale, and demonstrate ethical and professional suitability as required by current regulations.
Teachers who reach higher scales may apply for directorial or specialist positions within decentralized educational management bodies. Those attaining at least the third scale can seek leadership roles in regional education directorates (DRE) or local education management units (UGEL). Minister of Education María Esther Cuadros said that strengthening the Public Teaching Career is essential for improving educational quality: “We are promoting transparent processes that value teachers’ experience and abilities.” She also said: “Promotion within the Public Teaching Career not only represents economic improvement but also greater opportunities for professional development and leadership within the educational system.” Cuadros further said: “The merit-based aspect is fundamental to achieving each teacher’s life goals.”
The Ministry serves students, teachers, and communities throughout Peru according to its official website. It functions as a key entity within Peru’s Executive Branch according to its official website with headquarters in San Borja as well as regional directorates across Peru according to its official website. The ministry promotes sports opportunities according to its official website, supports cultural equity while eliminating discrimination in education according to its official website, ensures access to quality education while fostering social inclusion according to its official website, oversees national policy since its founding in 1837 with autonomous status according to its official website.
Looking ahead, this competition underscores ongoing efforts by Peruvian authorities toward equitable access and advancement opportunities within public education.
