Johnson

The recent Oregon Capital Chronicle article on the state’s push to hire more diverse teachers sheds light on both the progress we’ve made and the challenges that still lie ahead. At the High Desert Education Service District, we’re not just talking about increasing diversity among teachers—we’re actively doing something about it. Our “Grow Your Own Teacher Pathways” program is a testament to our commitment. Through this initiative, HDESD’s Central Oregon Regional Educator Network is working alongside Central Oregon school districts and higher education partners to cultivate an increasingly diverse workforce. This collaboration is inspiring local students, especially those from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in education. By supporting these candidates from the ground up, we’re ensuring that more diverse voices are entering the teaching profession right here in Oregon.

However, diversity is only one part of the equation. Retaining diverse teachers and ensuring they feel supported, valued, and empowered is crucial for their long-term success. This is why HDESD is deeply invested in equity and belonging as essential components of teacher retention. Our comprehensive approach to equity ensures that our teachers are not only diverse but also equipped with the tools and understanding to foster inclusive and supportive learning environments. When teachers are trained in equity, they are better prepared to address the diverse needs of their students, which directly enhances student achievement and well-being.

Our “Taking it Up” training, a two-day seminar designed to be a catalyst for both personal and systemic change, is one of our offerings. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about creating a deep and lasting impact on classrooms, workplaces, and communities. As teachers engage in the training, they learn how to create environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Research shows that students perform better academically and socially when they feel a sense of belonging and trust in their teachers. By investing in equity training, we’re not just supporting our educators — we’re helping our students thrive.

“Taking it Up” is the onramp to HDESD’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that every student, every family, and every team member deserves to feel empowered to lead a happy, healthy, and inclusive life, free from discrimination, violence, and hate. But achieving this vision requires more than just good intentions—it demands a collective effort to influence and inspire systemic change.

In addition to HDESD’s training offerings, Central Oregon Regional Educator Network (COREN) works closely with educators to foster a sense of belonging for students aged 0-21. There is no doubt that teachers are among the most powerful influences in a child’s academic career. That’s why over 300 of the region’s educators have participated in a Belonging Book Study over the last three years. These efforts are about more than just professional development; they are about equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to create classrooms where every child feels they belong. When students feel this sense of belonging, they are more engaged, more confident, and more likely to succeed.

Retention of diverse teachers isn’t just about offering support — it’s about nurturing a culture of equity from the inside out. Through initiatives like “Taking it Up,” we are working to ensure that our teams have the knowledge, understanding, and skills they need to create and sustain that culture. This, in turn, supports the students and school districts we serve. By making our classrooms and workplaces kinder, safer, and more welcoming places for all, we help our students not just succeed but thrive.

As we continue to push for more diversity in our schools, let’s also ensure that we are doing the work to retain and support the teachers we hire. By fostering an environment where all educators feel valued and empowered, we can create lasting change that benefits not just our teachers, but every student they serve. At HDESD, we are excited to be part of this journey, and we invite others to join us in making equity a reality for all.

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