- Time Period: Interwar Period
- Institution: 1927 (as the Ordem da Instrução e da Benemerência)
- Country: Portugal
The Order of Public Instruction is a Portuguese order of civil merit established in 1927. It honors individuals for significant contributions to education and teaching.
Initially founded in April 1927 as the “Order of Instruction and Benevolence” (Ordem da Instrução e da Benemerência), the order recognized services furthering education and public benevolence that contributed to the nation’s progress. In 1929, the order was restructured into two distinct orders: the “Order of Benevolence,” which evolved into the present-day Order of Merit, and the “Order of Public Instruction,” dedicated to rewarding contributions to education. The original insignia of the Order of Instruction and Benevolence was retained by the Order of Public Instruction.
The 1962 Statute of Honorific Orders refined the criteria for awarding the Order of Public Instruction, focusing on services rendered by educators, school administrators, and other contributors to education. Subsequent legislation solidified its current definition.
The Order of Public Instruction Grades
The Order of Public Instruction is awarded in the following grades:
Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCIP)
Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOIP)
Commander (Comendador – ComIP)
Officer (Oficial – OIP)
Medal (Medalha – MIP)- Honorary Member (Membro Honorário – MHIP)
The Order of Public Instruction Design
The insignia of the Order of Public Instruction features a distinctive plaque and badge.
The obverse is an eight-pointed star with gold enamel for the Grand Cross and Grand Officer, and silver for the Commander. It includes an inner blue enamel star superimposed with the coat of arms of Portugal, surrounded by golden palms and a white enamel scroll with the legend “Instrução Pública” in gold.
The badge consists of two crossed golden palms, and the ribbon is made of golden yellow silk, symbolizing the honor and prestige of the Order.
