A bill (AB 833) to expand California’s teacher exchange program with Mexico has been passed by the state’s Assembly and Senate Appropriations Committee in response to the shortage of Spanish-speaking teachers in the California public school system. However, even if it is passed, the Trump administration’s recent reduction of J-1 visas and other visas needed by international teachers may limit the flow of teachers from Mexico.
AB 833 unanimously passed both of the Assembly Committee votes and passed the Assembly 77–1 with one member abstaining. Authored by Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego), the bill 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 US 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. Though 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 English learner (EL) programs in the state. In the 2022–23 school year, California was home to over 1.1 million 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, temporary teachers from Mexico would fill some of these vacancies.
“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.”