Educational reform should not be politicized, Mexican bishops say

Mexico City, Mexico, May 16, 2008 / 11:09 am

The Bishops’ Conference of Mexico said this week educational reform must not be politicized and must have as one of its primary goals the promotion of the best teachers possible.

In a statement signed by conference secretary, Bishop Jose Leopoldo Gonzalez, the bishops recognized the invaluable contribution of teachers “to the formation of the future generations, and consequently, to the progress of our country.”  Children and young people learn “to socialize and develop their abilities” at school, they said.

The bishops also pointed to the failures in Mexican education, such as the high drop-out rates and the lack of quality teaching.  “The quality of education is perhaps the most serious problem we face.  Just as going to school and learning are not synonymous, neither are having a degree and being professional competent,” they said.

Therefore, the bishops continued, in response to proposed educational reform, “The Church believes that what is most important is that all voices be heard, but most especially those of teachers.”

They went on emphasize the training of teachers as an important factor in “overcoming the problems of education in Mexico,” thus ensuring that Mexican schools are always staffed by the best teachers.