Thurmond has sponsored a bill that aims to reestablish the Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program. (photo courtesy of Tony Thurmond)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond was honored with an award on July 6 for his dedication and commitment to students at the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators Summer Institute in San Diego. The award, highlighting equity efforts in education, comes as Thurmond sponsors AB 1127 to reestablish the Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program, which aims to increase the number of bilingual teachers in California.

The award is one of many in recent months for Thurmond, including the Educator of the Year Award by Loyola Marymount University School of Education and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., that have recognized his substantial contributions to the field of education, advocacy for greater equity in opportunities for future generations and lifelong commitment to enriching the lives of all learners. He also received the prestigious Association of California School Administrators Regional Leadership Award for his achievements and dedication to public education and his service to the children of California.

Thurmond has fought for all students throughout his tenure, launching initiatives to close opportunity gaps for African American and Latino students, English learners, students with disabilities, foster and homeless youth and students from low-income backgrounds. He is leading an effort to provide universal preschool for every four-year-old and to provide universal meals to all California students.

For information, visit cde.ca.gov/eo/in.