The following is an interview with Francisco Zamora, a CESD staff member who identifies as Latino American and serves in the Migrant Education Program

Tell me about your journey through school, coming to the ESD, and pursuing a role serving in education
“I grew up in Canby and attended K-12 within the Canby School District. My parents were both farmworkers: my dad worked in the fields and my mom did as well for a short period of time before being a stay at home mom. Growing up I didn’t know I was part of the Migrant Education Program until high school when I was invited to attend scholarship workshops. This is when I was told that this workshop was for students who were part of the Migrant Education Program. I remember my mom sharing with and explaining to me what migrant meant.

After high school I pursued my bachelor’s in social work at PSU, while there I interned with the Migrant Education Program. As an intern I primarily worked with the Molalla School District, but later on was hired as a Recruiter and Graduation Specialist, which allowed me to work with high school students. Before coming to the ESD, I never thought that I would end up pursuing my career in education; rather I thought I would pursue my Social Work education with a focus in healthcare. This position opened my eyes to the true needs of students, which solidified my desire to support families. I wanted to make sure I improved upon the services I received as a child. I then pursued a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Denver and kept close ties to the ESD. The experience I had in my master’s program, being able to provide services in a school doing prevention, intervention, and social-emotional work, let me have a greater grasp of how a school functions. Going out of state to get a higher education, I have so much gratitude.”

Can you talk about your identity as a Latino American and how it impacts and relates to those you serve in the Migrant Program?
“As an adult, I became more aware of how systems affect Latino/a/x kids and families. The school system I grew up in struggled to meet my needs – experiencing bullying and not receiving support – I wondered, was it because of who I am and where I come from?

I speak Spanish, I am the same color skin as our kids, and I had parents who worked in the fields. All of that allows me to relate to the students I am serving. When serving kids I always keep my privileges in mind because I know each student holds different privileges and may have more or less access to certain systems. For example, a student may be in the Migrant Program but they also may be undocumented – which is not something I experienced. So I always bring everything I can to the table in terms of support.

The Spanish-English language barrier was the biggest hurdle for my parents raising me here, they weren’t aware of different resources. Which is why I want to make sure our services are provided in the language predominantly used by our families.

The majority of staff and leadership in our partnering school districts are primarily white identified individuals. I understand from personal experience, as well as parents sharing with me, that at times they may not feel comfortable approaching someone who does not look like them or speaks their same language. Current injustices in this country amplify this uncertainty over who they can trust. It is vital that we continue to hire individuals who come from Brown or Black backgrounds, and bring them into our schools as staff and administrators so our families can see someone who is like them to approach for support. I am happy that our Migrant Education Program is in place in our county, as it allows our migrant families to access us for support and guidance.

I’ve become wired to look at how all these systems affect students. In this role I have access to the macro, meso, and microsystems of students to affect change and provide services. I am proud to be stepping into a role, with the privileges I hold, to better serve these kids. I am committed to making this program better and holding districts accountable to these student’s needs. That’s why I am so passionate – we are here to build and provide extra support for migrant students. If I had been provided with the extra services we offer now while I was in school, my experience may have been different.”

Any final thoughts?
“My mindset is always to always do better for others if you can, and improve upon systems. My parents instilled that in me. That idea has led me to be where I am.”

Francisco Zamora, LSSW is a Migrant Education Counselor and serves Region 2 Districts.