A New Era for Ethnic Studies: Hearing From Early-Career Educators

Abstract

In 2030 Ethnic Studies will be a required course for all high schoolers in California's public schools. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges of this milestone and how the future of Ethnic Studies can impact the U.S. education system as a whole. Through highlighting the history of Ethnic Studies and presenting the perspectives of eight early career Ethnic Studies teachers and counselors, this study showcases the importance of Ethnic Studies in providing spaces for students of Color to see themselves in school curricula, build community, and envision substantive change through their teaching.