Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Education Joint Committee recently hosted a legislative hearing on the Educator Diversity Act (H.549 / S.311), a legislative proposal which provides innovative solutions in teacher preparation, recruitment, retention and advancement to support and increase the number of educators of color in Massachusetts from 12% (2023) to 25% by 2030. If passed, the legislation would serve as a model for diversifying the teacher pipeline nationwide. 

“Students of color make up 40% of all students in Massachusetts, yet that diversity isn’t reflected in our educator workforce, especially for Latino and Black students. Latino educators only make up 5% of all teachers in the Commonwealth, while Black educators only 3% – which means so many students never see themselves reflected in their classrooms or teachers,” said Amanda Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Latinos for Education during the hearing. “The research is clear, if we want all students to succeed in education, they need teachers who share their experience and culture and leverage that identity to support students thrive.”

Amanda Fernandez was joined by several policymakers – including Representative Alice Peisch, Senator Jason Lewis, and Representative Manny Cruz – as well as members of The Education Diversity Act Coalition who discussed the need for this legislation.

“It is vital that Massachusetts public school students are taught by educators that reflect diverse backgrounds. Students from every district across the Commonwealth will benefit from learning from educators who bring different perspectives and lived experiences to their classrooms, and this legislation provides districts with the resources and flexibility to diversify their workforces. I look forward to continuing to work with Latinos for Education, the coalition, Chairwoman Garlick, the Education Committee, and my House colleagues on advancing this important issue as the legislative session continues,” said Representative Alice H. Peisch, House Assistant Majority Leader.

Proponents of the Educator Diversity Act mentioned how the bill would help strengthen the work and commitments many school districts in Massachusetts are already doing around diversity, equity and inclusion so they can be more intentional about hiring and retaining teachers of color.  Proponents also shared how multiple pathways are needed for professionals of color to enter the teaching profession, as some of the best educators in Massachusetts often struggled with the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and almost gave up teaching altogether.

In addition to providing multiple pathways for diverse professionals to enter the teaching profession, the bill would create a streamlined way of collecting and tracking data on the diversity of Massachusetts’ educator workforce as well help elevate the voice of educators of color to inform local practices at the district level. 

The following quotes capture snippets of testimonies from members of the Educator Diversity Act Coalition:

“Massachusetts has a lot to celebrate in a long history of leading in public education. But underneath Massachusetts’ high rankings are glaring and persistent disparities that separate low-income students and students of color from our peers. Let’s not let another year pass where we’re trailing behind states like Tennessee, Arkansas, in passing intentionally explicit legislation tackling teacher diversity.” – Devin Morris, Executive Director of The Teachers’ Lounge.

“Journey into Education & Teaching (JET) urges the legislature to pass the Educator Diversity Act (EDA).  This enactment will bring official recognition of the importance and urgent need to diversify the educator workforce throughout the commonwealth so that all students see themselves in their teachers. Through our work in mentoring paraprofessionals to become the diverse teachers needed in communities where racial and cultural disparities between students and teachers are greatest, JET is helping to close this diversity gap.  As an active member of the EDA Coalition, JET is proud to be a part of this effort and will continue to work with other member organizations for the successful passage of the EDA.”- Pam Herrup, Executive Director, Journey into Education and Teaching.

“Representation is important for our educators as well. If we hope to not only recruit but retain educators of color, they must be able to look up, and side to side, and see role models. This is why I chose to become an Executive Director.” – Farida Mama-Graham, Executive Director, Academy of the Pacific Rim.

“Next school year marks my 18th school year of teaching… Our students deserve to see themselves reflected in the school’s priorities, staff, and curriculum. Representation is not just about visual cues; it is about fostering a deep understanding of students’ experiences and cultural backgrounds.” – Teron Brown, Teacher, Springfield Prep Charter School.

“The earlier and more often children are exposed to role models who look like them and share their lived experiences, the better. Research shows that students who have access to educators who share their racial or ethnic background are more likely to excel academically, graduate from high school, and enroll in college. The Educator Diversity Act recognizes the importance of representation in our schools and seeks to promote an environment where students can see themselves reflected in their educators.” – Destiny Morton, alumna of Phoenix Charter Academy and Brandeis University

Learn more about the Educator Diversity Act at https://www.latinosforeducation.org/educator-diversity-act/ 

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About Latinos for Education:

Latinos for Education is a national 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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