People on both sides of the issue point to Elba Esther Gordillo Morales, “La Maestra”, as the root of Mexico’s public education problem. Gordillo is a powerful politician. She held several influential positions within the PRI and is the leader for-life of the National Education Workers Union, as well as one of the founders and leader of the New Alliance political party. In 2008, when President Calderón unveiled the ACE program, it was with Gordillo’s blessing.
As politicians, the National Education Workers Union and teachers battle it out, the students suffer. According to Mexicanos Primeros, a non-governmental organization that seeks to reform the education system, only 62% of students who graduate from elementary school go on to attend middle school, and only a quarter of those go on to higher education. Only a primary education is mandatory in Mexico.
