Bill to Increase Spanish-Speaking California Teachers Passes in Assembly

A bill to increase the number of Spanish-speaking teachers in the California public school system by expanding the teacher exchange program with Mexico passed the Assembly this week, with the legislation being sent to be heard in the Senate.

Assembly Bill 833, authored by Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego), would require the State Board of Education’s rules and regulations for the exchanges to (1) expressly provide for exchanges with Mexico, (2) apply to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, and (3) authorize specified visa sponsors designated by the United States Department of State, in addition to the State Department of Education, to sponsor teachers from Mexico for placement in California school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to promote cultural exchange for specified purposes.

Assemblyman Alvarez wrote the bill because of a major shortage of Spanish-language teachers in California. While many are needed to help migrant children learn English, many more are needed to help fulfill California’s bilingual education goals. As the state wants 75% of students in California to be multilingual by 2040, the severe Spanish teacher shortage is making that goal less likely, with many wanting to opt instead for increased ESL programs in the state. In the 2022-2023 school year, California was home to over 1.1 million English Learner (EL) students, making up approximately 19% of the total K-12 student population. According to the Learning Policy Institute, districts across the state report difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified bilingual teachers, particularly in high-demand subjects like math, science, and special education.

Under AB 833, this gap would help be filled by bringing in temporary teachers from Mexico.

“AB 833 is a vital step toward addressing California’s bilingual teacher shortage while strengthening educational ties with Mexico,” said Alvarez earlier this year. “By expanding teacher exchange programs, we can bring experienced educators into our classrooms to enrich students’ learning, and fill an important gap in our schools.”

“California students deserve to have more teachers who reflect their culture, language, and customs,” added International Alliance Group President Jason Hammond. “Likewise, California schools deserve to have choice when selecting a visa partner to recruit and support them through the process. This commonsense bill provides for both.”

However, the bill, even if passed, may turn out to be only moot. The Trump administrations recent crackdown on J-1 visas and other visas needed by Mexican teachers could severely limit how many would get in, with further restrictions possibly even nullifying AB 833. In addition, the Trump administrations effort to make English the official language of the United States, as well as the desire for many education officials to remove bilingual classes by federal law could in effect make the need for such teachers obsolete.

Despite the growing federal movement, AB 833 moved forward. It unanimously passed both of the Assembly Committee votes, and on Monday, passed the Assembly 77-1 with 1 not voting.

AB 833 is now expected to be heard next in the Senate. However, even if signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bill will remain contingent on the changing federal laws, especially those concerning visas and bilingual classroom education.