JET Testifies at the Educator Diversity Act Hearing
Before leaving office, former Governor Charlie Baker signed a historic spending bill with a $10 million commitment of ARPA funds towards diversifying our educator workforce. On June 26th 2023, our very own JET Mentor Program Coordinator, Jazmine Benoit, attended a hearing at the Massachusetts State house in front of the Joint Committee on Education in support of the Educator Diversity Act H.549/S.311. Testifying in front of Chairwoman Garlick, Chairman Lewis, and the esteemed members of the Joint Committee on Education was a significant milestone in our advocacy efforts, and everyone’s participation played a vital role in shedding light on the needs and concerns of our community. It was truly an honor to have JET represented and standing alongside everyone in this endeavor. Here is an excerpt of Jazmine Benoit’s testimony:
“As of 2022-23 67% of all JET paraprofessionals identify as people of color across our 12 partner urban school districts. They will significantly add to the teacher diversity in their communities. For example In our partner district of New Bedford 63% of the students, but only 16% of the teachers identify as people of color. Of the 17 JET paraprofessionals in New Bedford, 70% of them identify as people of color. Right here in Boston, 83% of 55 JET paraprofessionals identify as people of color. JET’s 2023-24 recruitment cycle was record-breaking with over 100 paraprofessional applicants, 64% who identify as people of color.
The organizations represented here today are firmly committed to recruit and retain a diverse educator workforce. Passage of the Educator Diversity Act will reinforce our work, but more importantly it will allow more students to see themselves represented and supported in classrooms and schools.”
If you’d like to join us in supporting the Educator Diversity Act, here are a few ways you can participate and continue to make an impact:
Spread the word: Share your passion for education and the Educator Diversity Act with your friends, colleagues, and community. Utilize social media platforms, email, or any other means to raise awareness and engage others in the cause.
Contact your legislators: Reach out to the members of the Joint Committee on Education and your local representatives and senators, urging them to support and co-sponsor the Educator Diversity Act. Explain the importance of this legislation and how it can positively transform our education system.
Engage in conversations: Initiate discussions within your community, workplace, or educational institutions about the benefits of a diverse educator workforce. Encourage dialogue, listen to different perspectives, and foster an environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Write letters of support: Draft letters expressing your support for the Educator Diversity Act and send them to jetintoteaching@gmail.com or directly to Chairwoman Garlick and Chairman Lewis. Publicly voicing our support will generate more visibility and build momentum for the cause.
Together, let us continue to advocate for the Educator Diversity Act and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable educational experience for all.