Legislation would create additional pathways for educators of color and address educator shortages
Boston, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts Senate has now unanimously adopted the Educator Diversity Act as an amendment to the proposed Economic Development Bill (S2856), following the House taking up a similar measure in the House version of the economic development bill. The Educator Diversity Act would address educator diversity gaps and teacher shortages through changes in certification, establishing uniform recruitment and retention practices, creating teacher apprenticeship pilot programs, and providing grant funds to districts to meet their educator diversity goals. Senator Jason Lewis introduced legislation that prioritizes and reinforces educator diversity from preparation and recruitment to hiring and retention. The different versions of the educator diversity act will now be reconciled in the economic development bill conference committee.
Amanda Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer of Latinos for Education, who has championed the bill along with a broad coalition of education nonprofits, school district leaders, and higher education institutions, issued the following statement on both the House and Senate vote:
“This legislation addresses the need to diversify our educator workforce in the Commonwealth and moves us closer to having our students reflected in their education leaders. Research is clear that all students perform better with a diverse educator workforce.
We would like to thank State Representative Alice Peisch, House Ways and Means Chair State Representative Aaron Michlewitz, State Representative Jerry Parisela, House Speaker Ronald Mariano, State Senator Jason Lewis, State Senator Gomez, State Senator Barry Finegold, State Senator Michael Rodrigues, State Senate President Karen Spilka, and all the members of Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for their leadership on this issue. We urge our legislators to get the Educator Diversity Act across the finish line because as our communities grow increasingly diverse, everybody will benefit from this legislation.”
“Because only 5% of our educators in Massachusetts are Latino, this legislation is instrumental in removing barriers for our Latino students and families,” said Jorge Fanjul, Latinos for Education Executive Director – Massachusetts. “A diverse educator workforce will benefit all of our communities across the Commonwealth. We are grateful to our Educator Diversity Coalition and our legislative partners who have worked tirelessly to push this landmark legislation forward.”
To learn more about the Educator Diversity Act, visit: 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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