California Department of Education
news release
California Department of Education
news release
Release: #23-79
October 11, 2023
SACRAMENTO—On Saturday, Oct. 7, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond received the Award of Excellence for outstanding achievements in the field of education. The award recognizes efforts to support African-American and underserved communities in the school system and ongoing work with the California Department of Education, a youth leadership nonprofit organization called 100 Black Men. The award was presented to Superintendent Thurmond at the 7th Annual Gala of the Inland Empire. (CDE) Addressing Opportunity Gaps.
“It is a great honor to receive this award of excellence in recognition of the outstanding achievements in education of 100 black men in the Inland Empire,” Thurmond said. “It is my honor and my mission to serve California schools and all communities. I work collaboratively with educators and communities across the state to ensure the opportunities and quality education that all students deserve. I would like to continue my work so that I can be accepted.”
The 100 Black Men of America is a youth leadership organization with chapters in the United States, United Kingdom, and Virgin Islands. The Inland Empire Chapter is dedicated to improving the quality of life and expanding educational and economic opportunities for young people. We established a mentoring program for Riverside middle school students and a Saturday Academy for youth to receive instruction while learning about STEAM topics and other essential elements of growth.
This award follows a number of prestigious awards in recent months. Last month, Mr. Thurmond received the President’s Award from the Urban League of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area for his continued work with CDE, going above and beyond for African American and underserved communities. did. In August, Superintendent Thurmond received the Child Champion Award from LA’s BEST, an after-school enrichment program. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. honored Thurmond with its Lifetime Achievement Award in May. Superintendent Thurmond received the California School Administrators Association (ACSA) Region 16 Leadership Award for his contributions to California’s children, and was recognized by the Loyola Marymount University College of Education for his transformative contributions to the educational field. , received the Loyola Marymount University College of Education’s Educator of the Year Award for his transformative contributions to the field of education. Give future generations a fairer chance. She also received an Outstanding Leadership Award from the California Council on Economic Education, one of the state’s leading financial literacy organizations, in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote personal financial education. .
Superintendent Thurmond has made transforming California’s schools a top priority. Through his vision and leadership, he secured 10,000 mental health counselors in schools and billions of dollars in comprehensive services that support the whole child through community schools. Superintendent Thurmond is leading efforts to ensure all students have reading proficiency through his third grade by 2026, with public service announcements and one-stop information and referrals to connect teacher candidates with scholarships. Established the first statewide teacher recruitment effort with a system. , certification programs, and employers with current vacancies. He also leads a statewide effort to provide students with graduation requirements in personal finance.
Superintendent Thurmond has fought for all students throughout his tenure. He initiated efforts to close opportunity gaps for African American and Latino students, English language learners, students with disabilities, foster care and homeless youth, and students from low-income families. He is leading efforts to provide transitional kindergarten for all of his 4-year-olds and provide universal meals to all students. That is, he provides free meals to all students, regardless of their ability to pay.
# # # #
Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Department Room 5602, 916-319-0818, FAX 916-319-0100
Last updated: Wednesday, October 11, 2023