UC Neag School of Education Dean Jason G. Irizarry has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Equity Champion Award by the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Supervisors (CALAS). This award recognizes individuals who are champions of equity and have dedicated their life's work to creating conditions conducive to the advancement and support of Latinos.
“I am honored that CALAS has selected me for this year’s Equity Champion award,” says Irizarry. “Supporting Latino students and other disadvantaged children in schools is near and dear to my heart, and I humbly thank CALAS for elevating this work year after year through this award. Our mission at the School is to improve our educational and social systems to make them more effective, fair and just for all, and I, like all teachers, We strive to advance that mission through research and scholarship.”
Irizarry is a professor in the Neag School's Department of Curriculum and Instruction and a teaching assistant at UConn's El Instituto. Prior to his appointment as dean, he served as interim dean of the Neag School and before that, associate dean for academic affairs. The focus of his work is promoting youth academic achievement in urban schools by addressing issues related to educator preparation. His first book, The Latinization of American Schools: Teaching and Learning Success in a Changing Cultural Context, won the Philip C. Chin Book Award from the National Multicultural Education Association. He is also co-editor of Diaspora Studies in Education: Toward a Framework for Understanding the Experiences of Transnational Communities.
I am honored that CALAS has selected me for this year's Equity Champion Award. Supporting Latinx students and other disadvantaged children in schools is near and dear to my heart, and I humbly thank CALAS for elevating this work each year through this award. — Dean Jason G. Irizarry
CALAS was founded by a group of New Haven education leaders dedicated to expanding resources and opportunities for Latinx educators. The group is the state chapter of the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and is “committed to promoting educational equity for all students, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds.”
“As a researcher, author, and the first Latinx dean of the Neag School, Dean Jason Irizarry exemplifies excellence in education,” said the CALAS executive team. “We believe he is the most deserving person for this honor because he promotes academic improvement in urban schools by recruiting, preparing, and retaining teachers of color.” and his continued commitment to promoting culturally responsive education.”
The Equity Champion Award is held with great prestige within the CALAS organization. This award is designed to recognize individuals who, through hard work, dedication, and leadership, have addressed the unique challenges and barriers faced by Latinx students and built support to overcome barriers. Past recipients include leadership of the Connecticut School Association, the Connecticut Department of Education, Connecticut State University, the Connecticut Education Resource Center, and the Chair of the Education Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly.
with Irizarry 6 other winnerswill be recognized at CALAS' 7th Annual Gala on May 3 in Plantsville, CT.
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