Maria José Saragoça

Maria José Leal Saragoça is an experienced educator with a professional trajectory deeply rooted in inclusive education, teacher training, and international educational cooperation. She holds advanced academic qualifications including a Master's degree in Special Education – Cognitive and Motor Domain, a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management for Development Cooperation (Universidade Católica), and has completed the curricular component of the PhD Program in Educational Sciences at the University of Évora. Her academic background also includes a CESE in Teaching with a specialization in Special Educational Needs and a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, both from the University of Évora.

Internationally, she has participated in various educational exchange and training programs, such as the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Secondary Educators at Chico State University, California, funded by the Fulbright Commission, and the Erasmus+ Training Course on Emotional Intelligence and Coaching Skills in Palermo, Italy.

Professionally, Maria José Saragoça has served as a seconded teacher at Portugal’s Directorate-General for Education (DGE) since 2017 and previously at the Regional Directorate of Education of Alentejo (DREALENTEJO - 2006–2011). She has taught across different levels of education—from primary to secondary. She has also served as an invited lecturer at the University of Évora in both undergraduate and master’s programs.

In addition to her teaching roles, she has taken on several leadership positions, including Coordinator of the Special Education Department, School Cluster Gabriel Pereira, Évora, President of the School Assembly in Arraiolos, and President of the Fiscal Council of the Fulbright Alumni Association in Portugal. She represents the DGE in the European Commission’s Working Group on Equality and Values in Education and Training.

As a certified trainer in Special Education (accredited by the Scientific and Pedagogical Council for Continuing Education), Maria José has conducted numerous training sessions and contributed to professional development in education. Her scientific activity includes participation in various international research projects, such as ENABLIN+, DISTINC, DAFFODIL, and IRIS (University of Évora), all centered on inclusive education practices and the development of support systems for students with complex needs.

She has co-authored scientific articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, and has frequently presented her work at both national and international academic events. Additionally, she has played a key role in organizing educational and scientific conferences and currently collaborates with several European projects under the Directorate-General for Education.