Latino Educator and Administrator Development Program

Research shows that representation matters and statistics suggest that Latino leadership is critical.

We know that a shared student and teacher identity (race, ethnicity, home language, lived experiences, etc.) can lead to improved academic outcomes (Dixon, 2017). However, while Latino children are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. school population and currently represent 28% of students, only 8% of teachers, 4% of board members, and 2% of senior education leaders are Latino (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023 and Fernandez, 2018). The reality is that the majority of Latino children may never be instructed or led by a Latina/o teacher, principal, or administrator.

Now more than ever, students need Latino educators in their classrooms, schools, and dioceses. In addition to improved academic outcomes, “by exposing Latino children to more leaders who look like them, it helps them imagine what they want to become and can reinforce strong self-efficacy around the value of their identities and Latinidad. It’s been said ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’” (Fernandez, 2018).

Learn more about the lasting impact of a Latino Leader from LEAD 1 Fellow Viridiana Vargas, a former Catholic school student and current administrator in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

LEAD is a year-long leader formation program designed to form, advance, and retain Latino educators in Catholic education by providing professional development and community mentorship rooted in Catholic faith. 

The year officially begins with a virtual orientation in July. Starting in August and continuing through May, participants meet monthly with a professional learning community led by one of our LEAD mentors. Before each meeting, participants complete an online module that includes readings, reflection questions, and supplemental resources. Over the course of the year, the monthly modules follow this arc:

• Embrace LEAD fellows' personal histories and leadership trajectories
• Educate and form LEAD fellows in leadership qualities that are rooted in Catholic virtues with a unique focus on Latino culture and gifts
• Empower LEAD fellows to identify and act upon a need in their school or diocesan community

If you have any questions, please contact LEAD Coordinator Jocelyn Smith at (jsmith89@nd.edu).