Having a shared common background is a good way for students and staff to connect, said Jacob Rodriguez-Rivera, a junior at Opportunity Academy.
Izaiah Calderon, a recent graduate, is in agreement, pointing to the strong connection he made with an OA educator during his time in the program. “He really understands me,” Izaiah said. “He’s from here. He knows what I’ve gone through.”
These students’ positive experiences reinforce what nationwide research consistently shows: When students of color are taught by teachers of color, they have stronger academic achievements and are more likely to graduate high school and go on to college.
HPS has made it a priority over the past decade to increase the number of teachers of color working in the district—and the numbers are telling the story: The percentage of HPS teachers of color has increased from 13% in 2016 to 33.5% in 2025. Chief Human Resources Officer Beth Gage attributes this increase to the district’s unwavering commitment to equity, as well as concrete efforts to recruit, attract, and retain teachers of color.
“It starts at the top. We hear it from our staff, we hear it from the broader community. Holyoke is known as a place that is committed to equity,” explained Ms. Gage. “Staff hear this message, and it attracts more people to work in Holyoke.” HPS reinforces its equity commitments in a wide range of tangible ways, including equity professional development for all staff members, affinity groups for staff, and developing programs to support educators of color. The language of the district’s equity commitments is echoed in meetings, publications, conversations, and more, with each reference serving as a clear reminder that HPS is committed to walking its talk when it comes to ensuring that everyone is represented, supported, and has fair access to resources and opportunities.
“The City of Holyoke has so many strengths. The racial diversity of the city, as well as citizens’ strong commitment to the city, are two strengths that have contributed to a more diverse workforce,” said HPS Chief of Strategy Erin Linville. “Many of our paraeducators and other staff members are from Holyoke and identify as people of color. They graduated from HPS, they live in the community, they know our students and families. Since 2015, the district has offered a variety of partnership programs that provide support to staff members as they earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or or additional certification. Many paraeducators and other staff members have moved onto teaching roles, coaching roles, and even school leadership roles.”
At this time, 32 HPS staff members are enrolled in district-supported partnership programs that provide a wide range of supports while they earn a degree or additional certifications, bringing the 10-year total to 131 staff members who have participated in such programs. HPS currently has partnership programs with the University of Massachusetts, Elms College, Mount Holyoke College, Springfield College, and Teach Western Mass. HPS also partners with state agencies and community organizations to support other efforts to recruit and retain a diverse staff.
“Everyone is supportive, always checking in on me and rooting for me,” shared Franshesca Torres, who began working as a paraeducator at the former Peck Middle School in 2022 and is now an 8th grade science teacher at the recently built newPeck Middle School. She is participating in the district-sponsored Urban Teachers Pathways Program with Mount Holyoke College to earn a master’s degree in teaching general science.
José López began as a substitute teacher at Kelly and later participated in a district-sponsored partnership program with the University of Massachusetts where he earned a graduate certificate in bilingual and dual language education. He then moved into teaching positions at Kelly and E.N. White schools and is now a districtwide Spanish language arts coach to support the dual language program.
“Through these experiences, I have been able to expand my knowledge, share my expertise with colleagues, and contribute to providing the high-quality education that our bilingual students deserve,” Mr. López said. “I am thankful for the support of many Holyoke leaders and colleagues along the way.”
The support provided by HPS Expert Teachers to new and veteran teachers is just one way the district helps teachers be successful in their roles. HPS also provides a robust one-week induction program, where new teachers practice and refine their skills working side by side with Expert Teachers and receiving real time coaching. New teachers continue to receive similar support over their first two years of employment: First-year teachers are paired with a mentor teacher who provides technical and cultural support. First- and second-year teachers also participate in targeted professional development to help them be successful and feel supported. Each school also offers professional learning for two hours each week, connected to the school improvement plan, while the district offers several days of professional learning, customized by grade level, content area, years of experience, among other factors.
