The 1,200 peso charge for tutoring classes for 50 students at the “Edmundo Villalba” secondary school, implemented by teacher Jessica Góngora Guerrero, has caused anger and outrage among parents, as all of these students have failed chemistry, which would require them to complete this basic level to enter high school, reported parent José Guadalupe Rosado Novelo.
Citizen Complaint Against Student Charges in Playa del Carmen
The tutor filed the citizen complaint, criticizing the teacher for wanting to make a killing at the expense of the students, whom she charged 1,200 pesos for tutoring classes outside of school hours, in order to obtain certification for their basic secondary level.
“Teacher Jessica said she was giving my children some classes, promising three weeks, but she only delivered six days, because the course was supposed to run from August 6th to 22nd. I take my son to school every day because I’m worried, since without education you’re nothing in this life, and he needs high school,” he said.
The father indicated that seven tutors paid 1,200 pesos for the three-week course, which wasn’t fulfilled. The children had to go to Jessica Góngora’s house in Cristo Rey, and another group of students arrived in Los Olivos.
Impact of the teachers’ strike on learning
José Guadalupe Rosado added that his son and the rest of the students were affected by the teachers’ strike over the ISSSTE reform because it was a period in which they didn’t take classes as they should have.
The father reiterated that his son only failed chemistry and didn’t finish high school.
“I’m just asking for a solution and for a place to be available, as well as for my son to be given a high school certificate. However, I asked the principal of ‘Edmundo Villalba’ to replace the chemistry teacher, Jessica, but she told me it’s not possible, that we have to pay for the courses again, and if I want, I have to pay the 1,200 pesos again. If there’s a fourth opportunity, I feel like it’s a business opportunity for them (the teachers),” he stated.
José Guadalupe stated that they charge a voluntary fee of 300 pesos each school year and that they don’t know what they use the money for.
Official investigation by the Ministry of Education
An investigation by the Quintana Roo Playa del Carmen Ministry of Education is being conducted against teacher Jessica Góngora Guerrero, of the “Edmundo Villalba” school, who allegedly charged at least 50 high school students 1,200 pesos to teach after-school tutoring courses.
“There can’t be a second extraordinary session because we’re only in the first. The system hasn’t authorized it. This meeting is being held today, and the parents will be given an answer,” reported Bernarda de la Cruz, representative of Educational Services in Playa del Carmen.
The educational authority in the municipality of Playa del Carmen reiterated that the remedial classes are voluntary and must be conducted by agreement between the parents and the teacher.
Regarding this educational issue at the “Edmundo Villalba” school, where the teacher allegedly conditioned the administration of a third exam on the payment of 1,200 pesos, Bernarda de la Cruz confirmed that the teacher was summoned to clarify the situation.
Jessica Góngora is accused of charging two fees for tutoring classes, but the head of the SEyQ admitted that this situation is a misinterpretation, because the teacher can teach the classes as long as he agrees with the parents, but she shouldn’t have charged the 1,200 pesos twice, when they are only part of the first extraordinary class, which was applied on August 25th of last week.
Bernarda de la Cruz said that the second extraordinary class will be applied until the end of September.
Lack of Regulation on Tutoring Class Prices
The education official in Playa del Carmen reiterated that there is no protocol or scale for applying tuition fees, as the teacher at the “Edmundo Villalba” school or any other teacher did, and that it is up to the tutors to reach an agreement.
Finally, Bernarda de la Cruz confirmed that students will not be left without their studies and that high schools are giving them a deadline to submit this document, as the validation of secondary school certificates begins in November.
Source: newsdaycaribe
