**11 Schools in Baja California Face Shortages of Teachers; Four in Tijuana**
In Baja California, 11 schools are currently occupied by parents due to a shortage of teachers. Of these, four are located in Tijuana, according to the State Secretary of Education, Luis Gallego Cortés. Despite the occupations, it does not mean entire schools are without teachers, as many still have 80% to 90% of positions filled. However, gaps remain due to the absence of some teachers, prompting parents to take action and draw attention to their plight. Gallego Cortés mentioned that resolution in the four affected Tijuana schools is expected within the fortnight.
The shortage is partly attributed to a high volume of medical leave requests, which creates continuous vacancies in classroom staffing. As the educational department fills gaps, new medical license requests surface, requiring ongoing administrative flexibility to address these dynamic challenges.
Meanwhile, the teachers’ union is also facing issues, with workers manifesting due to unpaid wages. The State Secretary noted that while all federal teaching positions’ substitutes have been appointed, state-related vacancies still need closure.
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**Growing Concerns Over Teacher Shortages in Baja California**
In light of the ongoing teacher shortage, educators and parents in Baja California continue voicing their concerns, raising the stakes for the regional education system to address these pressing gaps promptly. A spokesperson for the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) asserted that they expect the regional education department to resolve these shortages within the month.
The Union of Education Workers of Baja California (SNTE) is also holding protests, highlighting issues surrounding delayed payments and insufficient staffing. These challenges could potentially affect academic performance and school operations, emphasizing the need for swift governmental intervention. Meanwhile, the potential opening of a new federal public university in Tijuana in the near future suggests efforts for long-term educational enhancements, despite current obstacles.