Introduction
Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP), has reaffirmed his commitment to teachers and educational justice, stating that Mexico is transitioning towards an era where teachers are key players in building a new educational model characterized by transparency, equity, and foresight.
National Consultation for a New Teacher Career Scheme
During his appearance before the Education Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, Delgado Carrillo announced the commencement of a national consultation, school by school. This democratic exercise will allow teachers to define the new scheme replacing the Unidad del Sistema para la Carrera de las Maestras y Maestros (USICAMM). The consultation will start in October, enabling teachers to reflect and debate on the best alternatives for strengthening their relationship with educational authority.
He explained that the results of this consultation will be available between March and April 2026. Based on these outcomes, a new legal framework will be developed, addressing the genuine needs of teaching staff and overcoming the limitations and deficiencies of the previous model.
Respect for Teachers’ Labor Rights
Delgado Carrillo emphasized that respect for teachers’ labor rights is a cornerstone of the educational policy under President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who has defined education as the heart of the Fourth Transformation. He clarified that the policy aims not to impose schemes from above but to listen to teachers and co-construct the rules governing their professional careers.
Recent Actions and Achievements
The SEP, under Delgado Carrillo’s leadership, has already made 73,000 teacher adscription changes using only the criterion of seniority. He highlighted that this process was conducted publicly, transparently, and without any complaints, reflecting the trust and legitimacy gained from the teaching community.
He contrasted this with the neoliberal governments’ neglect of educational infrastructure, noting that only 20 high school plants were built in 30 years. In contrast, Sheinbaum has, in 2025 alone, impelled the construction of 20 new schools, expanded 33 existing plants, and converted 35 secondary schools into preparatory schools, creating over 37,000 additional spaces for young people.
Evaluations and Budget
Regarding evaluations, Delgado Carrillo stated that Mexico will continue participating in the PISA test, acknowledging it as a contextually disconnected instrument. He clarified that for the current administration, assessments should aim to improve each student’s life rather than serve as a mechanism of exclusion or punishment.
He also mentioned the significant increase in the education budget, particularly for scholarships and student support. He pointed out that the Bienestar Scholarship Program currently benefits over 13 million children, youth, and young adults with an unprecedented investment of 133 billion pesos.
Delgado Carrillo further explained that by expanding the Rita Cetina Universal Scholarship, they aim to reach 20 million beneficiaries, ensuring all primary school students have access to this support. He stressed that education is a right, not a privilege, and their duty is to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Reception and Future of Education Policy
Ricardo Monreal Ávila, President of the Coordination Political Junta of the Chamber of Deputies, welcomed Delgado Carrillo and highlighted that his appearance strengthens the republican dialogue among powers. He stated that the presented proposals will help design and build Mexico’s educational future.
María de los Ángeles Ballesteros García, President of the Education Commission, affirmed that appearing before the Chamber is not a formality but an act of accountability to the Mexican people. She emphasized that exchanging views with the SEP head occurs at a historic moment when education is central to the nation’s project under President Sheinbaum.
