SACRAMENTO - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson named an experienced educator as the California Department of Education’s first International Education Liaison.

　　Steven Ma will help California educators forge closer ties with educators throughout the world, develop and strengthen partnerships with Mexico, China and other nations, work to expand teacher exchange programs, and initiate other plans to promote international cooperation and understanding.

　　He will be assisted by Dave Long, an education consultant who formerly served as Education Secretary for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Superintendent of Riverside County schools.

　　“I am excited that Stephen and Dave, with their remarkable experience, track record and passion for education, have agreed to help forge new partnerships and programs between California educators and educators throughout the world,” Torlakson said. “In these uncertain political times it is especially important that California educators remain engaged with the rest of the world.”

　　Ma, a former high school math teacher at Castlemont High School in Oakland, is Secretary of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, chair of the Asian American Education Media Foundation, and owns a tutoring and college preparation firm.

　　Both will serve as volunteers.

　　The announcement comes the day before Torlakson visits Mexico to meet with the Mexican Education Secretary to discuss increasing cooperation, teacher exchanges, and assisting students who have attended K-12 schools on both sides of the border.

　　The California Department of Education (CDE) is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. You may also follow him through CDE’s mobile Web site, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.