Clay Hale

I was recently elected to the San José-Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) in a special election on November 7, 2023. I am the only member of the LGBTQ+ community on the SJECCD Board and the only high school teacher. I am a product of the California Community College system. As a first-gen college student, I learned how difficult navigating community college can be, from understanding the complexities of financial aid to the complex transfer system requirements. While attending community college, I balanced a schedule of demanding classes and working full time. I discovered my passion for history and social science through the fantastic instructors I had at my community college. I eventually transferred to UC Berkeley as a history major. Through the classes I took at the community college, I discovered my passion for history and inspiration to teach. I currently live with my wonderful partner and our rescue dog. As a first-gen college student and gay male, I still see many inequities within our current educational system. I am inspired to be an advocate for change within our educational system and be a champion for students and educators. As a teacher, I wear multiple hats to ensure students’ success. As the President of our School Site Council, I advocate for student and school success. I provide accountability as a union representative at my school site. I have also supported students with dual enrollment pathways in their government and economic classes. I am a social science teacher who believes education is the cornerstone for creating informed, civically engaged community members empowered to make a difference in their communities and the world. Young people have a unique perspective and a powerful voice, and by encouraging their participation in civic life, we can help to shape a better future for all. In the classroom, I facilitate learning opportunities that allow students to develop civic engagement skills by creating policies that advocate for more equitable outcomes in our San Jose community. As your trustee, I will continue to ensure more equitable learning outcomes by increasing community college student transfer and graduation rates. District funds must be appropriately allocated toward programs and resources that directly benefit all students in the classroom. In addition, I believe in establishing community partnerships that prepare students for college before they enroll in their first college class.