The Massachusetts Legislature has passed the Educator Diversity Act, landmark legislation that would increase the recruitment and retention of diverse educators.
BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Legislature has taken a historic step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive education system with the passage of The Educator Diversity Act. This landmark legislation, advanced in partnership with the Massachusetts Educator Diversity Act Coalition, was led by Latinos for Education and sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch, and Co-Chair of the Joint Education Committee, State Senator Jason Lewis.
The Educator Diversity Act, included as an amendment to the state’s economic development bill, lays the foundation for transformative change by addressing barriers to recruiting and retaining educators of color. Through its eight key provisions, the law establishes:
- Multiple pathways toward certification to ensure accessible entry points for aspiring diverse educators.
- A statewide data dashboard to track and address educator workforce diversity across districts, and
- Increased uniformity in hiring practices to support equitable opportunities for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
“This is a monumental victory for Massachusetts students, families, and educators. Research consistently shows that all students benefit from a diverse educator workforce, and this law ensures we are building a system where every child can see themselves represented in the classroom,” said Amanda Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Latinos for Education. “This bill is the first of its kind in the nation and will serve as a model for other states eager to pass similar legislation. We want to thank Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka for their leadership on this critical issue and our bill sponsors, House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch, and Senator Jason Lewis for their resilient leadership. Additionally, Latinos for Education and the Coalition are grateful to the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for making this their only education priority for the session and the over 90 House and Senate co-sponsors of the bill.”
The success of the Educator Diversity Act is the result of four years of collaboration and advocacy. “This legislation is an example of what’s possible when policymakers and education leaders come together with a shared goal,” said Jacqueline Monterroso, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Latinos for Education. “The broad coalition of 50+ organizations, including teacher unions, advocacy groups, district and charter leaders, and higher education partners, played a pivotal role in shaping and championing this bill. Their collective effort ensured that educators of color were at the table, sharing stories and experiences that helped make this historic moment a reality.”
Massachusetts continues to rank among the top-performing states in education nationally, yet disparities in representation persist. While students of color comprise more than 45% of public-school enrollment, educators of color make up only 10% of the teaching workforce in the Commonwealth. The passage of The Educator Diversity Act is a critical step toward closing this gap and achieving equity in education.
“I was glad to see this language included in the final version of the economic development bill.” said House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch. “Students must learn from educators who represent diverse backgrounds, and students from diverse backgrounds must be taught by educators who reflect their experiences. Although the Commonwealth remains a national leader in public education, we have a lot of work to do to diversify the workforce in our schools; this is a large first step in that direction as the final bill includes many provisions necessary for the recruitment and retention of diverse educators.”
Senator Jason Lewis added, “There is a distinct mismatch in our schools between the percentage of students of color and the percentage of educators and administrators of color, and we have strong evidence of academic and social-emotional benefits for students of color who have even just one educator of color. I am so proud of the coalition that brought the Educator Diversity Act over the finish line that will help more students to see themselves represented in the classroom.”
For more information about The Educator Diversity Act and Latinos for Education’s work, visit https://www.latinosforeducation.org/educator-diversity-act/ or contact [email protected].
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About Latinos for Education:
Latinos for Education is an education non-profit organization focused on developing, placing, and connecting essential Latino talent in the education sector. The organization is mobilizing a network of skilled education leaders to ensure the voice of students and families is not only heard but factored into decision-making in schools, communities and education institutions throughout the U.S. The organization also ensures Latino education professionals have access to a nationwide network of peers as well as career and professional development opportunities across the country through the members-only EdCentro network. For more information visit: https://www.latinosforeducation.org.
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