K-12 Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies is the critical, interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and Indigeneity with a focus on the history, experiences, and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, Asian American, Pacific Islander and other communities of color within and beyond the United States. K-12 Ethnic Studies has been shown to have positive impacts on the engagement and academic success of students of color, and in 2021, California passed AB 10— a bill that adds Ethnic Studies as a high school graduation requirement. This historic change to K-12 school curriculum is an important step towards educating young people across the state of the rich and complex histories of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities, who currently make up the majority in California and its public schools (CA Department of Education, 2024).

UCR's Teacher Education Program (TEP) is pleased to offer a K-12 Ethnic Studies Pathway for M.Ed. students enrolled in the English and Social Science credential programs, to develop educators equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to serve as Ethnic Studies teachers across the region, state. 

Selection Criterion

• M.Ed. student enrolled in the Secondary English Language Arts or Social Science credential program
• Knowledge and/or experience with Ethnic Studies content (i.e. major, minor, courses, community-based experiences)
• Interest in teaching K-12 Ethnic Studies (integrated in courses or as a stand-alone class)

Pathway Experience

• Pathway Requirements:

  Students field placement with a high school educator who teaches at least one period of their authorized content through an Ethnic Studies lens or embodying Ethnic Studies principles

  Being on a team with other K-12 Ethnic Studies Pathway students

  Workshops and lectures related to Ethnic Studies teaching

  Cohort enrollment in three specialized electives

  o   EDUC 226: Ethnic Studies and Education (Fall Quarter)

  o   EDUC 275: Pedagogies of Race/Racial Justice (Winter Quarter)

  o   EDUC 273: Critical Pedagogy (Spring Quarter)

The Ethnic Studies electives are built into the existing program structure of the M.Ed. and do not require additional coursework or time.

If you would like to be considered for this unique opportunity and get more information, please email creded@ucr.edu.

If you have specific questions about the pathway, please contact Dr. Rita Kohli at rita.kohli@ucr.edu.