Boston, MA – Latinos for Education, in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts (AFT-MA), Boston Teachers Union (BTU), The Teachers’ Lounge, and Teach Plus, hosted a rally at the Massachusetts State House, followed by a day of advocacy where over 100 educators, policymakers, and advocates voiced their support for the Educator Diversity Act, a pivotal piece of legislation designed to create a more inclusive educator workforce in Massachusetts.
As the student population in Massachusetts becomes more ethnically and culturally diverse, the Educator Diversity Act seeks to close the representation and opportunity gaps that exist for students of color. The bill would strengthen the recruitment and retention of diverse educators through several key initiatives, including the creation of multiple certification pathways, support for district diversity plans and goals, the establishment of Educator Diversity Councils to inform district efforts, and the creation of a statewide Educator Diversity Data Dashboard.
“The Educator Diversity Act has always been about creating a strong educator workforce that benefits all students in the Commonwealth, and it’s legislation that has always been informed by and supported by teachers, school leaders, and teacher preparation programs who see first hand the challenges that prevent diverse talent from entering and staying in the teaching profession. The continued support from cosponsors of the bill, Leader Alice Peisch and Chairman Jason Lewis, has been instrumental to get us where we are today. We thank the Black and Latino Caucus and every policymaker who cosponsored the bill for their leadership. We are proud to unite teachers from across the Commonwealth and have them share their testimonies and perspectives on the importance of a diverse educator workforce with policymakers,” said Amanda Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Latinos for Education.
Latinos for Education, alongside AFT-MA, BTU, The Teachers’ Lounge, and Teach Plus, rallied on Tuesday, June 12, 2024, at the Massachusetts State House with over 100 educators, policymakers, and advocates to champion the Educator Diversity Act.
Several policymakers participated in the educator rally and subsequent briefing, including:
- State Rep. Alice Peisch, Assistant Majority Leader
- State Sen. Jason Lewis, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Education
- State Rep. Jessica Giannino, Sponsoring Legislator
“There is a distinct mismatch in our schools between the percentage of students of color and the percentage of educators and administrators of color,” said State Sen. Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “We have strong evidence of academic and social-emotional benefits for students of color who have even just one educator of color. It is imperative that students see themselves represented in the classroom, and I look forward to getting the Educator Diversity Act over the finish line.”
This rally represents a unified call to action from a broad coalition dedicated to ensuring that the educator workforce mirrors the diverse student population in Massachusetts.
“The Educator Diversity Act would significantly improve access and quality of education for all students by fostering a more inclusive and representative educational environment,” said State Rep. Alice Peisch. “This is a critical step to ensuring educational success for students across the Commonwealth. I am hopeful this legislation will pass this session.”
The Educator Diversity Act currently sits within the House and Senate Ways and Means committees, and advocates made their case with policymakers hoping its nearly 100 co-sponsoring legislators can get it across the finish line in both legislative chambers and signed into law this year. This bill would make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to pass landmark legislation that prioritizes educator diversity by law, and set a model for other states to follow.
Coalition Member Quotes:
“Recruiting and retaining more educators of color should be a top priority for Massachusetts, because all students benefit when their teachers and school staff reflect the diversity of our communities. As a student who never had an AAPI educator until college and who was often the only AAPI educator my students ever had, I know firsthand how students of color also benefit from seeing teachers who look like them, and who can relate to their unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds,” said Jessica Tang, President of AFT-MA and BTU.
“As a former principal, I strongly believe that educator diversity is crucial for creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment. When students are exposed to educators from diverse backgrounds, they gain a broader perspective and develop cultural competence. This not only enhances their academic experience but also prepares them to thrive in a diverse society. Educator diversity also helps challenge biases and stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive and accepting school community,” said Brenda Ortiz Peña, Latinos for Education Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship Alum & Director of Social Work, Chelsea Public Schools.
“I have dedicated three decades of my life to the noble education profession. Despite my extension experience and dedication, my career growth has been unjustly stunted. This systemic barrier is not unique to me. Many excellent bilingual educators, who could bring invaluable diversity to our classrooms, are also blocked from becoming licensed classroom teachers due to their scores on the writing portion of the MTEL test. It is a travesty that Massachusetts continues to rely on this flawed practice. A test does not define a highly effective educator. Passing an exam does not ensure that one possesses the cultural awareness and connection necessary to effectively teach our diverse student population,” said Rosa Valentin, Springfield educator and MTA member.
“In order for us to go from talking to action with increasing educators who represent our student population, we must get behind and pass the Educator Diversity Act. This bill will provide our educators with the opportunity to have a voice with decision making and an opportunity to bring solutions to the work which will ensure success for students across the Commonwealth,” said Christopher Marino, Executive Director, Teach Plus Massachusetts.
“Hill Day is a beautiful and necessary display of our democracy at work. Our students, educators, advocates, and legislators came together to center our students and the future of education. When passed, the Educator Diversity Act, will serve as landmark legislation that will continue to put Massachusetts forth as the trailblazer in education, and drive unprecedented student outcomes for all students by closing the representation gap between our increasingly diverse student population and the lack of diversity of our current teaching population. The proposed legislation, and the work of the Educator Diversity Act Coalition, will serve as a model other states can replicate, while helping Massachusetts reach the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s stated goal of 25% educators of color by 2030, for the sake of all of our babies, today and tomorrow, said Devin Morris, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Teachers’ Lounge.
Media interested in speaking with Latinos for Education or members of the Educator Diversity Act Coalition about the status of the bill can contact Marissa Villa at [email protected].
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