Frank Palad Mata has been in the classroom for more than 18 years. Currently teaching high school AP language & composition and expository reading & writing, he recently developed a 12th grade course focusing on social justice and equity.

Mata makes all his students feel welcome and represented in the classroom. He understands that many of them are torn about their identity and have received little education on what true equity is, and that to promote peace and move forward we need to all understand each other’s issues. His ability to connect with people — particularly students — helps him facilitate dialogue on challenging topics such as race, gender, class, etc. In his teaching, he includes the history of influential BIPOC people and the amazing contributions they have made. He does this in a way that uplifts all his students and empowers them to believe that they too can accomplish so much, no matter what obstacles they may encounter.

Of the environment he creates in his classroom, he says, “My students know that when they come in here, I want to get them closer to the truth — closer to your truth, what is not defined by your social categories.”

Mata was the first teacher to form a social justice club on campus in Corona Norco Unified. This has given students the confidence to take active roles in their school and more importantly in their community. He also has supported fellow educators who are trying to create more socially just and equitable classrooms. He has formed book clubs and has led by example and shown peers and students how to have difficult conversations around racial and social justice.

Watch Frank Palad Mata’s short video here. Read about the other Human Rights Award winners here.