“The quietest, most urgent frontline of human rights is a classroom.”
On March 14, 2026, the California Teachers Association (CTA) recognized Dr. Hezekiah Herrera for his outstanding work in human and civil rights on behalf of students with exceptional needs. Presented annually, this Human Rights award honors the recipient for their leadership in promoting inclusive educational practices, advocating for equitable access to learning, and developing programs or supports that help students with disabilities succeed in school and beyond.
Father
Inspired by his own children to build a world where every child's story is honored and understood.
Advocate
Dedicated to ensuring students with unique needs are seen, heard, and valued.
Educator
Committed to creating inclusive spaces where every student feels safe to learn and grow.
Mirrors & Windows
in Our Learning Spaces
The Power of Representation in Education
The Discipline Divide
White students with disabilities lose minimal class time to suspension. Students with disabilities overall lose more than twice the rate of their peers, and the gap widens sharply by race—effectively denying many students the education they are legally guaranteed.
Source: National Center for Youth Law, "In Harm's Way" (2025), based on California Department of Education data, 2023–24.
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Training for educators on creating equitable learning environments and reducing the discipline gap for students of color and students with disabilities.
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Inspiring talks on "Mirrors & Windows," the power of representation, and the journey of special needs parenting.
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Interactive sessions for students featuring Dr. Herrera’s children’s books, focusing on empathy, safety, and finding one's voice.
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Guiding families through the special education process to ensure their children are "seen, heard, and valued."
Pro Bono Services
The Inclusion Gap
A White student with a disability is significantly more likely to learn alongside their peers than a Black or Hispanic student with the same disability profile. In 2022–23, 16% of Black and 14% of Hispanic students with disabilities were placed in the most restrictive settings—less than 40% of the day in general education—compared with just 9% of White students.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), IDEA Section 618 data, 2022–23.
“Education is most powerful when it serves as both a mirror for a child’s reality and a window into their limitless potential.”
Dr. Hezekiah Herrera
Mirrors & Windows on the Shelf
Stories designed to reflect a child’s reality and open doors to their limitless potential.
“My students are drawn in by the illustrations and sweet story of [your book] Maya Finds Her Voice. I use it to help general education students understand communication devices, and my students who use AAC devices love collaborating to read it. It’s even helped a dysregulated student calm down and reset his day. You are making a real impact!"
— Kelli D., CCC-SLP
“Dr. H didn't just inspire me to become a teacher; he gave me the roadmap to get there. He coached me through the transition from Paraprofessional to Intern, connecting me with the resources and confidence I needed to succeed. Now, as I finish my credential and induction, I use the skills he taught me every single day.”
— Paul, Special Education Teacher and Former Paraprofessional in Dr. Herrera’s Classroom