When I first started teaching in San Diego, I ended up receiving an emergency placement to teach in a bilingual classroom. My interview with the principal was basically: “Do you want the job?” The school had two bilingual teachers with over 100 students. I asked the principal how they had that that many kids and only two teachers. She said: “That’s why we’re are hiring you!"
I also didn’t feel like the materials the school district was providing were authentic. I found material in the curriculum that really fostered negative stereotypes. I had to do a lot of research to find materials that were authentic and reflected my students. I would drive to Tijuana to get books because they were cheaper there.
It’s been a long journey, and I haven’t stopped and I’m still working on it. I love this work and I am passionate about it. It’s work that still needs to be done.
After being named Oregon’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, I traveled throughout the state and met many other teachers of color. It’s really hard to keep teachers of color in our state.
Through my union, I have been able to do a lot more things, build my network and access more resources.
Last summer I was at the Racial and Civil Justice Conference. I got to meet the most amazing teachers who are like-minded. It was like I was at the Oscars! I went to one session about diverse books and presenting these books in the classroom. It was packed. The line to get in went around the building. I was so excited to meet all these people and build all these relationships.
I am seeing more teachers who are activists, who are looking for resources, and are excited to find them, because they are not seeing them in their hometown, or because their district or state is not providing these resources.
