Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 20, 2024 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Sen. Lewis leads successful passage of Educator Diversity Act S tate Senator Jason Lewis led the successful effort in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass the Educator Diversity Act, legislation that was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on November 20, 2024. The Educator Diversity Act seeks to strengthen the K-12 educator workforce by hiring and retaining more diverse educators – and improving student outcomes.The Educator Diversity Act was included as part of a broader economic development package that was enacted by the House of RepresenHAPPY HOLIDAYS! Dan - 1972 Take Advantage of our Holiday Specials! Chris 2024 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE! MANY ITEMS ON SALE!! Cohiba Special: Five Cohiba Blue Churchill Cigars for Only $75. A Savings of $50! Or, a Box of Cohiba Blue Churchill Cigars Now Only $299. A Savings of $50! * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES HOURS: OPEN SUN. - WED. 9 AM - 6 PM / THURS. - SAT. 9 AM - 7 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, humidifier, hygrometer, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 their leadership on this critical issue and our bill sponsors, House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch, and Senator Jason Lewis for their resilient leadership. Additionally, Latinos for Education and the Educator Diversity Act Coalition are grateful to the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for making this their only education priority for the session and to the over 90 House and Senate co-sponsors of the bill.” Key provisions of the Educator Jason Lewis State Senator tatives and the Senate and was then signed into law by Governor Healey on November 20, 2024. Massachusetts is a national leader in public education, but the state’s student population is diversifying at a much faster rate than its teachers and school administrators. While students of color make up over 45% of public school enrollment, educators of colors only account for about 10% of the teacher workforce. “There is strong evidence of the academic and social-emotional benefits for students from having diverse teachers, especially for students of color,” said Senator Lewis, who is Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education. He continued, “I’m proud to have filed and championed this legislation and grateful to all the students, teachers, parents, and advocates who helped get the Educator Diversity Act across the finish line.” “This is a monumental victory for Massachusetts students, families, and educators. Research consistently shows that all students benefit from a diverse educator workforce, and this law ensures we are building a system where every child can see themselves represented in the classroom,” said Latinos for Education CEO/Founder Amanda Fernandez. “This bill is the first of its kind in the nation and will serve as a model for other states eager to pass similar legislation. We want to thank Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka for Diversity Act: • Setting statewide educator diversity goals and publishing an annual report to ensure progress in hiring and retaining diverse educators • Requiring the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to work with school districts on plans to increase their educator diversity • Requiring each school district to appoint a diversity officer or team to advise the superintendent and other district leaders on efforts to recruit and retain diverse educators • Elevating the voices of diverse educators, parents and students by requiring all school districts to establish a process for advising the superintendent and school committee on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion • Requiring diversity and implicit bias training at least every five years for all school and district employees and school committee members • Requiring DESE to establish a teacher apprenticeship pilot program • Requiring teacher preparation programs to examine and address barriers to equity in enrollment and completion of their programs • Incentivizing diverse and highly effective educators to work in high-needs school districts • Establishing a public information campaign to spread awareness of state scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for prospective educators • Enabling DESE to create new pathways for teacher licensure and certification
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