At more than 53 million, the Hispanic population is the nation’s largest, youngest, and fastest growing minority population. One out of four public school students in the nation is Hispanic, however, less than 8 percent of U.S. teachers are Hispanic, and Hispanic male teachers represent only 2% of the nation’s teachers.
While many Hispanic teachers have dedicated themselves to serving their communities through teaching, they are dramatically underrepresented in the classroom. Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th through October 15th) recognizes these leaders.
As the Hispanic population continues to grow, it is essential that all Hispanic students have access to a high-quality education. This begins with teachers. According to a 2003 Economic Policy Institute study, the quality of a student’s teacher is the single most influential in-school factor in academic achievement and future life outcomes[1]. It is important to have a teaching workforce that reflects the current student population. Teachers of color serve as role models and cultural liaisons for their students.
The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and the U.S. Department of Education are engaged in recognizing Hispanic educators throughout the country to highlight the impact they are having in our nation’s schools. Additionally, Hispanic Teacher Recruitment programs have been started by school districts and universities to increase minority teacher candidates.
Hispanics are graduating high school and enrolling in college at higher rates, yet only 15 percent of Hispanic adults hold a bachelor’s degree. As a result, the Initiative has created the ¡Gradúate! Financial Aid Guide to Success to help Hispanic students and families navigate the college application process. ¡Gradúate! highlights the following:
ü Planning for College
ü Choosing the Right College
ü FAFSA 101
ü Financial Aid
ü Scholarships
ü Financial Resources for Undocumented Students
ü Completing College
ü Career Pathways
Transform Consulting Group has worked with La Plaza of Indianapolis to prepare more Hispanic students to enroll in and complete post-secondary education. Through this partnership, Transform Consulting Group created a customized college and career readiness curriculum for La Plaza’s Tu Futuro program to improve high school graduation rates, post-secondary enrollment, and completion rates. Contact us today for more information on assisting your college and career readiness program!
[1] Rice, J.K. (2003). Teacher Quality Understanding the Effectiveness of Teacher Attributes. Annapolis: Economic Policy Institute.
