Teaching is the most popular career choice of Mexican women who pursue advanced education, and the majority of teachers in Mexico are women. Mexican maestras (women teachers) became a ubiquitous presence in the countryside following the Mexican Revolution and continue to make valuable contributions to their students. In the mountainous and largely rural state of Oaxaca, courageous maestras may spend years living away from their homes and families while teaching in isolated communities. These dedicated and courageous maestras pursued teaching so that they could defenderme, or take care of...