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Diversity Will Be a Casualty of Teacher Layoffs

New America Media - March 30, 2009

By Carolyn Ji Jong Goossen

Editor’s Note: Public schools are in dire need of teachers who reflect the demographic diversity of the state. But the current budget slashing and layoffs will probably decrease diversity in the teacher workforce, writes NAM Education Editor Carolyn Ji Jong Goossen. Video by Ann Bassette, senior producer for YO! Youth Outlook Multimedia.

Corine Coaloca will graduate this May from San Diego State University with two teaching credentials—one in bilingual education, and one in special education. A Mexican American, Coaloca, 24, wants to teach in a border community where her language skills and cultural background will translate well with students.

But her job prospects are not good. This month, California school districts gave pink slips to nearly 27,000 teachers because of steep budget cuts to education. Although public schools are in dire need of teachers like Coaloca—those who mirror the student population of Asian, Latino and black students—budget slashing threatens to decrease diversity in the state teacher workforce.

To read full story, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/dzlvte

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