BILL NUMBER: S7642

SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to directing the commis-
sioner of education to convene statewide and regional conventions to
bring together underrepresented educators

 
PURPOSE:

This bill directs the commissioner of education to convene statewide and
regional conventions to bring together underrepresented teachers to
discuss experiences, best practices, and provide for mentorship and
networking opportunities.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one adds a new section to the Education Law to direct the
commissioner to annually convene a statewide convention of underrepre-
sented teachers and administrators to discuss experiences, best prac-
              

tices, and provide for mentorship and networking opportunities. This
section also directs the commissioner to convene at least five regional
conventions to bring together underrepresented educators. Underrepre-
sented educators are defined as teachers and administrators who partic-
ipated in a "grow your own" initiative, My Brother's Keeper, Teacher
Opportunity Corps program, higher education opportunity program, educa-
tion opportunity program, or other similar programs.

Section two of the bill is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

According to the State Education Department, eighty percent of New
York's approximately 210,000 teachers are white. According to 2016-17
data, only 18,000 teachers in New York State are Black or African Ameri-
can, while roughly 16,000 are Hispanic or Latino. The study also found
that more than 200 school districts did not employ a single teacher of
color. Studies conducted by other groups also found that 80,000 Latino
and Black students attend schools with just one teacher of the same race
or ethnicity.  The lack of diversity in our educator workforce can leave
educators of color feeling isolated and unsupported. Studies have found
that mentorship, networks of support, and opportunities to express expe-
riences can assist in creating support within the field. This bill seeks
to build and expand these networks by convening regional and statewide
conventions so that teachers and administrators of color feel supported.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.