**Parents Protest Against Teacher Shortages at Tijuana Education Offices**
Parents of students from at least three elementary schools in Tijuana have taken action, gathering at the offices of the State Educational System (SEE) to demand teacher replacements—a problem that has persisted for months without resolution. Mónica Rangel Ruiz, head of the Parent Council for the Villa de Baja California and Insurgentes schools, explained that the problem began last academic year with one specific teacher.
The school facilities have been occupied by parents since September 10 due to a shortage of teachers for three classes—two in the morning and one in the afternoon. The issue revolves around a teacher holding a tenured position who has been on medical leave since April. Although a substitute was supposedly promised payment and a permanent position, it never materialized, leading to a non-renewed contract.
Rangel Ruiz highlighted that the administration claimed an interim teacher wasn’t possible unless the teacher on leave had 45 days of incapacitation, whereas she only had 17. Ángel Soto, primary level chief at SEE Tijuana, noted that the budget for teacher salaries was already overstretched. Replacing this teacher would necessitate covering four salaries: two for the teacher on leave and two for substitutes.
Anabel Ornelas, a parent from Calpulli School in the Girasoles neighborhood, mentioned her frustration with the recurring absence of a teacher who annually takes a leave, authorized but never substituted. These temporary teachers are typically assigned for periods ranging from six months to an entire academic year, which complicates the beginning of each school year with a lack of permanent staff.
Mónica indicated that if no response from the State is forthcoming by October 15, they plan to continue their protest and march to Mexicali.
**Related News: Continuing Teacher Shortages Across Mexico**
The issue of teacher shortages in Tijuana is part of a broader national trend affecting many regions in Mexico. Similar protests have been reported in various states, highlighting the systemic challenges within the educational system, including budget constraints and administrative delays. Schools have experienced increased class sizes and decreased quality of education, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among parents and educators alike. The Education Ministry has acknowledged these issues and stated that steps are being taken to recruit and train more teachers, but concrete solutions are still awaited.