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California is home to a thriving tech industry and is known for its leading innovations in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). By 2022, California will have the largest share of the STEM workforce and jobs across the country. The tech workforce, however, is far from representative of the state’s diverse population – only 5% of the tech industry workforce is Latinx and just 2% of the workforce is Black.
Students cannot be what they cannot see and representation starts in the classroom. Too few students in California have access to STEM learning opportunities and STEM teachers that are well-prepared and reflect the racial diversity of our state. The current global health crisis and the rise in online learning are two reminders that our modern-day society is dependent on our science and technological innovations to thrive. To emerge from this crisis stronger than before, we must protect and sustain pipelines for STEM teachers of color to educate and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.
In addition, we’ve created a timeline highlighting recent statewide investments to strengthen the STEM educator workforce, and an in-depth look at four promising practices from teacher preparation programs that have created strong pathways for STEM teachers of color:
Recruiting & Retaining Educators of Color:
Hiring Practices to Diversify Your Candidate Pool & Strategies to Support and Retain Educators
a California that ensures that Black, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native American students’ futures are as bright as their dreams are big. We believe that our state’s schools, colleges, and universities can form the bedrock of a more just California.
Committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in California’s education system.
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Communications Manager
Karla Fernandez (she/her/hers) joins Ed Trust–West as a Communications Manager with over 11 years of experience advancing social impact initiatives.
Karla started her career as a teacher at Chicago Public Schools and UIC College Prep. After teaching, Karla joined United Friends of the Children to support LA County’s youth in foster care as a college counselor. Through Leadership for Educational Equity, Karla also served as a Policy Advisor Fellow for the office of a Los Angeles Unified School Board Member. She solidified her interests in policy analysis and quantitative research during her time with the Price Center for Social Innovation, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and the USC Presidential Working Group on Sustainability. Before joining The Education Trust–West, Karla was the Associate Director for the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative, a network of nonprofits advocating for communities in SELA.
Karla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Policy from the USC Price School of Public Policy, and a Graduate Certificate in Policy Advocacy from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Karla is based out of southern California and is passionate about using data analysis, communications, and digital strategies for policy advocacy and social justice efforts.