Morelos Honors Teacher Carlos Gallardo Sánchez

Why this is here: Carlos Gallardo Sánchez taught students about Emiliano Zapata by asking them to wear mustaches, sparking their curiosity about the historical figure.

The Secretary of Culture in Morelos, Mexico honored teacher Carlos Gallardo Sánchez for his work introducing the history of Emiliano Zapata to children. Gallardo Sánchez used children’s books and classroom activities to make the history of Morelos accessible to students. Titles like Miliano, pa los cuates and Plan de Ayala para niños helped explain the Zapatist movement.

The event at the Museo Morelense de Arte Contemporáneo Juan Soriano also recognized his research. His book Escuelas y maestros morelenses hasta el zapatismo is considered a key text on education history in the region. Participants recalled Gallardo Sánchez asking students what they knew of Zapata—horses, charro suits, a mustache—before encouraging them to learn more.

Montserrat Orellana Colmenares presented a digital edition of Gallardo Sánchez’s recent work, Noticias de Cuernavaca poco leídas, with plans for a print release. The recognition occurred during the annual Day of the Teacher celebrations, but the full scope of his impact on students remains to be seen.