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SJECCD Trustee and Public School Teacher
PRIORITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS
DEAR NEIGHBOR,
I am running to continue to serve on the San Jose-Evergreen Community College Board of Trustees. As a current East Side high school teacher, college advisor, and former community college student, I have a deep personal commitment to its well-being and growth. With my experience as a classroom educator, I have witnessed the impact that quality education can have on the lives of students and our community. It is a privilege to watch them grow and develop, and I have seen firsthand the impact that a quality education can have on their prospects for our community. As a first-generation college student, the community college system has had a profound impact on my life. It provided me with an affordable and accessible path to pursue higher education. I was able to take a variety of classes and discover my passions while receiving support and guidance from knowledgeable instructors. However, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of community at community college and navigating the complex process of transferring as a first-generation college student who worked full-time. As a commuter student, I struggled to connect with my peers and felt isolated at times. I have seen the same opportunities being offered to my current students as they take classes at Evergreen Valley College. I have watched many of them go on to attend either San Jose City College or Evergreen Valley College after graduation, and I am proud to have played a part in their journey. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of community college and its ability to provide students with the tools they need to succeed. As a college advisor for our dual enrollment students, I have seen the impact that community college can have on students' lives and am committed to improving the resources and support available to them. I understand the importance of providing students with personalized support and guidance as they navigate the college experience, and I am passionate about advocating for their success. My experience in this role has given me unique insights into the needs of our students and the ways in which the community college district can be improved to better serve them. With my dedication and expertise, I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to make a real difference for our students and our community. I look forward to continued partnership with the community to bring a quality educational experience to all San José-Evergreen Community College District students. I humbly ask for your continued support and vote to help ensure SJECCD provides a premier higher education experience for all students throughout our District.
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Your Neighbor,
Clay Hale
“I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Hale for SJECCD Trustee! As a former student, I've witnessed his unwavering commitment to classroom inclusivity and amplifying student voices. With a background as a first-generation college student, he connects with students on a personal level, fostering a compassionate and supportive environment. His dedication to empowering students to voice their concerns and take civic action is commendable. Mr. Hale is also a person who cares about the well-being of students in all aspects, and his classroom was a safe space for all and any students to be comfortable and to truly be themselves without any fear. Having a caring teacher like him on the board would be a valuable asset to our community.”
Lucy T., Former Student
MEET CLAY
Clay Hale is a current classroom teacher and Trustee for the San José-Evergreen Community College District (Area #7), running to continue supporting students and teachers on the Board. Clay serves on the Board Self-Evaluation Committee, the East Side Expansion Ad Hoc Committee, and the Policy Review Ad Hoc Committee. Clay is a product of the California Community College system. As a first-generation college student, he 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, he balanced a schedule of demanding classes and working full time. He discovered his passion for history and social science through the fantastic instructors he had at his community college. He eventually transferred to UC Berkeley as a history major. Through the classes he took at the community college, he discovered his passion for history and his inspiration to teach. Clay obtained a single-subject social science teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University and a Master's in Urban Education with a concentration in Educational Policy and Administration. Clay currently lives with his wonderful partner and their rescue dog. As a first-generation college student and gay male, he still sees many inequities within the current educational system. He is inspired to be an advocate for change within the educational system and be a champion for students and educators. As a teacher, he wears multiple hats to ensure students' success. He advocates for student and school success as the President of their School Site Council. He provides accountability as a union representative at his school site. He has also supported students with dual enrollment pathways in their government and economic classes. Clay is 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. In the classroom, he facilitates learning opportunities that allow students to develop civic engagement skills by creating policies that advocate for more equitable outcomes in the San Jose community. Clay has been recognized by the local, county, and state levels for his commitment to youth civic education and civic engagement. As your trustee, Clay 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. Clay will continue to work with students, faculty, and staff to ensure that SJECCD provides the best learning outcomes for all students.
