Dr. Artnelson Concordia

Ethnic Studies | Curriculum and Pedagogy | Teacher Leadership

Dr. Artnelson Concordia, ED.D brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in education, specializing in the institutionalization of Ethnic Studies in K-12 public schools across California. As a pioneering educator in the field, Artnelson played an instrumental role in developing San Francisco Unified School District's groundbreaking Ethnic Studies program, and co-authored the state of California’s Ethnic Studies model curriculum. His efforts, along with thousands of students, educators, parents, and community members, have established one of the most influential models for Ethnic Studies education in the nation.

Artnelson’s roots begin with revolutionary ancestors, and parents from the provinces of Batangas and Laguna, in the Philippines, whose seeds sprout in the Historic Filipinotown neighborhood of Los Angeles. He is a second-generation Filipino American that went through LA’s public schools, community college, and went on to receive both his undergrad in History and Political Science, and doctoral degree in education leadership from UCLA.

Currently serving as the coordinator of Santa Barbara Unified School District's Ethnic Studies program, he continues to lead efforts in developing culturally responsive curricula that centers the experiences and contributions of historically marginalized communities.

Through his work, Artnelson has been at the forefront of transforming public education to be more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of a diverse student population. Building programs that not only educate but empower young people to both understand their histories, and equip them to actively participate in our multi-racial democracy.

Publications:

• “From Community to Classroom: A Case Study of Principled Ethnic Studies in California’s Central Coast” Doctoral Dissertation, UCLA, 2026

• “Foundations and Futures: Asian American and Pacific Islander Multimedia Textbook.” Asian Activism Activism Chapter, Lead Curriculum Writer, 2024–2026

• Concordia, A. O., & Tintiangco-Cubales, A. (Spring 2024). Policy isn’t enough: Learning from Ethnic Studies K-12 teachers. AAPI Nexus Journal

• Cunanan, G., Concordia, A. O., & Jaco, T. (June 2023). “Ethnic Studies as a Social Movement: Resistance in the Face of Reaction.” Journal of Asian American Studies 

• Concordia, A. O. (November 2019). “This district tapped students’ histories to create an Ethnic Studies curriculum.” EdSurge

• Concordia, A. O. (January 2019). “We don’t want to just study the world, we want to change it: ethnic studies and the development of transformative students and educators.” Rethinking Ethnic Studies
  
  

Past Speaking Engagements

• “Ethnic Studies at a Crossroads. Palestine, Solidarity & the Soul & Substance of the Movement.” Keynote Presenter, Institute for Teachers of Color (ITOC) Conference, June 2024

• “ACSA Summer Leadership Institute.” Presenter, June 2024

• “Equity — Our Moral Obligation . . . Lead with Courage, Character & Commitment.” Panelist, ACSA Equity Summit, April 2024

• “Recommendations for Implementing Principled Ethnic Studies.” Presenter, ACSA Equity Summit, April 2024

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