### Insurgentes Elementary School Marks a Week Without Classes Amid Teacher Shortage Protests
Parents of students at the federal “Insurgentes” elementary school in the Infonavit Villas neighborhood have been protesting for over a week due to a lack of teachers. They have taken control of the school facilities after being informed by the administration that one of the classes does not have a teacher.
Brenda Machado, a mother of a fourth-grade student, expressed her frustration, noting that the issue has persisted for almost four years. Despite promises from Miguel Alfredo Nuño García, the local representative from the Tijuana Secretary of Education, there has been no progress. “He told us that we would get an answer regarding the payments for the interim teachers today (Tuesday), but we still haven’t heard anything. Without any news, we will keep the school closed,” she stated.
Parents have vowed to keep the school occupied until their children are provided with permanent or substitute teachers and the teachers receive their due payments. The communications team from the Institute of Educational and Pedagogical Services (ISEP) mentioned that Nuño García has been working on the issue since last week, but parents remain resolute.
Brenda emphasized the parents’ demands for Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda to resolve the payment issues for teachers, highlighting the impact on their children’s education. “We demand that the Governor pay the teachers and the interim staff so that our children can receive the education they deserve. It’s unacceptable to be left without teachers,” she reiterated.
### Additional Reports on Teacher Shortages
**California Elementary Schools Face Similar Teacher Shortages**
Several elementary schools in California continue to experience significant teacher shortages, affecting both morning and afternoon shifts. Parents and guardians have resorted to occupying school premises, demanding that authorities address the problem and ensure their children have the necessary educational support.
**Educational Institutions Struggle With Increased Enrollment**
With the growing population, many schools across the state are unable to accommodate the rising number of students due to a lack of teaching staff. This has led to larger class sizes and a diluted quality of education. Efforts are being made to reinstate scholarships for private high schools to alleviate some pressure on public institutions, yet the solution remains insufficient.
**Protests and Legislative Actions**
Amid these challenges, ex-governors and political figures are pushing for educational reforms to counteract perceived authoritarian measures by certain political parties. There is also an increasing call for new leadership within local educational boards to address these ongoing issues effectively.
**Implications for Mental Health**
The shortage of educators and the resulting interruptions in schooling have been linked to increased mental health issues among students. Reports indicate that a significant percentage of adolescents, facing educational instability, show tendencies towards depression and suicidal thoughts. Mental health professionals stress the urgent need for a stable educational environment to support students’ wellbeing.
**Efforts to Address Infrastructure Pressures**
Experts highlight that inadequate planning has left educational infrastructures struggling to meet rising demands. This is compounded by the pressure on utilities and resources, calling for more strategic development initiatives to support both existing and new educational facilities.
As parents and educational authorities continue to negotiate and seek solutions, the primary concern remains the provision of uninterrupted and quality education for children. The situation at Insurgentes Elementary is a critical reminder of the broader systemic issues that need to be addressed to ensure educational equity.