White House Initiative Calls Upon AAPI Youth to Become Teachers

WASHINGTON -- The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders issued a call to action today encouraging AAPI community members to consider making a difference in the lives of children by becoming teachers. As the baby boomer generation retires, the U.S. anticipates losing more than a million teachers. Today, AAPIs make up less than 1 percent of all teachers.

In his 2011 State of the Union, President Obama highlighted the importance of teachers stating, “If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation, if you want to make a difference in the life of a child, become a teacher. Your country needs you.”

Earlier this year, to promote the teaching profession among AAPI youth, the Initiative hosted a roundtable featuring Commissioner Sefa Aina, TEACH campaign director Taryn Benarroch, Teacher and Singer-Songwriter Clara Chung and Singer-Songwriter David Choi. The discussion focused on the vital role teachers can play both in the classroom and in reforming education, and steps young people can take to become teachers. The purpose of the event was to change the way the community thinks about the teaching profession as a way to help shape the future. Video from that roundtable is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVJ0IPE5yac

“We need to inspire the next generation to make a difference in the lives of students. This is a conversation that needs to continue among AAPI communities across the nation,” Commissioner Aina said. “Teachers are the unsung heroes of our country and we need more AAPIs to join their ranks.”

Learn more about how you can become a teacher at www.TEACH.gov.