Massachusetts Organizing Alliance to welcome four inaugural captains to help pass the Educator Diversity Act

Boston, Massachusetts – Today, Latinos For Education and the Massachusetts Educator Diversity Act Coalition announced the formation of its Organizing Alliance, a dynamic group of Latino educators and school leaders who will leverage their experience in the education system to advocate for the Educator Diversity Act (H.549 / S.311), a legislative proposal that aims to increase the recruitment and retention of educators of color in the Commonwealth. 

Members of the Organizing Alliance, also known as organizing captains, will act as ambassadors for the Educator Diversity Act by meeting with legislators to discuss how this bill can help strengthen and build a sustainable educator workforce in Massachusetts that is more representative of its diverse student body, organizing events and advocacy campaigns to elevate the voice of other educators and school leaders of color, and sharing their own stories of the challenges and opportunities they faced as they navigate Massachusetts education system.

“Amplifying the voice of Latino educators and school leaders who see everyday the barriers that either push out talented educators of color from the teaching profession or discourage others from entering the profession in the first place is critical if we really want to create a sustainable educator workforce in Massachusetts,” said Amanda Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Latinos for Education. “I’m excited that we have a committed group of individuals that are willing to share their ideas and perspectives to move the Educator Diversity Act across the finish line.”

Latinos For Education has successfully identified four alumni who are active community leaders to launch the Organizing Alliance, including:

  • Kelly Garcia, Chairwoman, Chelsea School Committee, Associate Dean of Student Supports, Excel Academy Charter School 
  • Frangie Cruz, Principal, Ingalls Elementary School
  • Joshua Varela, Director of Revenue, NeuroMaker
  • Emily Soto, Program Manager at The Teacher Collaborative, and former English Language Education Teacher, Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter School

Earlier this month the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Education hosted a legislative hearing on the Educator Diversity Act, where dozens of education leaders, including the organizing captains, testified in support of this bill. To learn more about the Educator Diversity Act and the Organizing Alliance, please visit: 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.

Media Relations Contact:

Jayla Shannon
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