Teacher Diversity is a Necessity

California has a shameful history regarding its bilingual education, especially concerning hiring Spanish-speaking teachers. Trying to help this cause is San Diego Mesa College, a community college providing mentorship and advising. The DEBER program also provides continue connections to San Diego State University, wherein many members receive their teaching credentials.

SDMC is providing a necessary aid to our systemically underfunded and ignored public schools. This program is a necessity for a state as diverse as California, what with the process for receiving teaching credentials being so daunting, and even more so for bilingual teachers. Not only that, but students need to see themselves in their teachers, especially as second language learners. This program has a positive rippling effect that is necessary in our communities.

Allison Shelley for American Education

Help desperately wanted: Bilingual teachers in San Diego County schools

M.G. Perez, LA Times | 5/6/2022