What motivated you to choose the field of Education Sciences?

All my life I have been a teacher, and all my life I have wanted to be a teacher. At the same time, I have always wanted to remain a student and continue learning. Choosing Education Sciences was, for me, a natural sequence of a process of personal and professional growth.

 

How would you describe your journey at Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto?

In 2018, I enrolled in the Faculty of Theology to pursue a degree in Religious Sciences, and then continued with a Master’s degree in the field of Catholic Moral and Religious Education (EMRC). A few years later, in 2023, the Faculty of Education and Psychology seemed to be the best option for a Master’s in Education Sciences, due to the institution’s reputation, the quality of its faculty, and the course’s post-work schedule.
What marked me most during the Master’s was the sharing of knowledge and experiences among both professors and colleagues, from the areas of Academic Administration and Organization as well as Social Pedagogy. I then entered the PhD program in this field and have been experiencing this stage with a different level of maturity, shaped by accumulated experiences, the people I have met, and a life dedicated to teaching.

 

“More than ever, the challenge is to humanize education, shifting from a school-as-a-business paradigm to a school that feels and cares.”

 

During your Master’s, you chose to specialize in Academic Administration and Organization. What challenges you most in this area?

For a long time, I told myself this was an area to avoid due to its heavy bureaucratic load and because it seemed distant from the reality of schools. However, over time, I realized that this was not the case. I believe that, increasingly, the challenge lies in humanizing education - moving away from the idea of schools as businesses and towards schools that feel, care, and strive to support not only academic success but the development of the person as a whole. A school where everyone matters, where everyone belongs, and where we are allowed to embrace our vulnerabilities.

 

What is your research project within the PhD in Education Sciences?

My research project follows precisely this direction - the humanization of schools. I aim to develop the concept of compassionate leadership in educational contexts. This is something already being implemented with positive results in the corporate world, but it is still an emerging topic in education. It is deeply rooted in compassion and concern for others, but it goes beyond empathy. It involves actively working to improve the situation of others - in this case, any member of the educational community.

 

“It is only through close collaboration and alignment between school and family that we can shape citizens who care about others.”

 

How do you describe the mission of teaching?

Teaching is about accompanying people and helping them grow both internally and externally. Anyone working in education should be able to bring out the best in each individual, using both reason and heart, and always striving to learn. A good teacher is a lifelong learner. While society is constantly changing and the role of education professionals has evolved significantly over time, I think that seeing students believe in themselves and celebrating all their achievements - big and small - is the greatest success in our profession.

 

What are the main challenges facing the Portuguese education system?

I believe one of the main challenges is breaking free from the constraints of rigid curricula, targets, and rankings - we have created the false notion that students cannot make mistakes, must all progress at the same pace, and must excel in everything. Schools have become increasingly resistant to creativity, critical thinking, and student participation in decision-making processes that affect them. We must act with these trends in mind, guiding students to make the most of their abilities.
On the other hand, we must also consider how society perceives the role of teachers and their importance in transmitting values and shaping children and young people. Only through strong collaboration and consistency between school and family - ensuring continuity between rules at school and at home - can we prepare future adults to become citizens who care about others.

 

What advice would you give to a student considering studying Education Sciences at Católica?

First, make sure this is truly what you want and reflect on what you are willing to do to achieve it. A higher education degree requires effort, dedication, and, above all, the ability to set priorities.
I would also recall that “alone we can go faster, but together we go further”: building strong group dynamics with classmates and teachers is essential for success.

 

How do you balance your academic path with other areas of your life?

I believe that with good time management, we can accomplish everything we set out to do. Above all, we can continue to be well-rounded individuals who enjoy having dinner with friends, going to the cinema, and spending time with family. In addition to my studies, I have a strong connection to music as a choir director, organist, and soloist, and I was part of the Academic Choir of the University of Minho. I try to go to the gym regularly, enjoy playing video games, cooking, and discovering new places and experiences. For me, this is the true meaning of a fulfilling life.