We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Marcos Pizarro, Associate Dean of the College of Education and Professor of Chicanx Studies at San José State University, on receiving a $50,000 grant from the Chicago-based Spencer Foundation. The grant will allow Dr. Pizarro and his colleague, Rita Kohli of the University of California Riverside, to conduct in-depth research on the experiences of teacher educators of color as they navigate systemic racism in teacher education programs throughout the United States.

Dr. Pizarro’s work focuses on helping Chicanx and Latinx students at various stages of their schooling to develop collaborative interventions that aid them in their efforts to succeed in school and to create social and racial justice in their communities. His efforts have led to the development of the Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center at SJSU, which has resulted in a transformative model for Chicanx/Latinx student engagement and has enhanced Latinx students’ sense of belonging and academic success.

The Spencer Foundation is committed to funding educational research that improves education, makes education systems more equitable, and increases opportunities for people to continue learning across their lifespans. Dr. Pizarro’s work aligns perfectly with this mission and we are proud to see him recognized for his contributions to the field. This grant from the Spencer Foundation will allow Dr. Pizarro and Dr. Kohli to delve deeper into the racial barriers that teacher educators of color face, how they resist these barriers, and what they envision for the future. It will also provide valuable insights into the resources that are needed to usher in equity in the field of teacher education.

Once again, congratulations to Dr. Marcos Pizarro on this well-deserved recognition and grant. We look forward to the valuable insights and understanding that this research will bring to the field of teacher education.