What is Carlos Santana doing besides racking up Grammy nominations for his No. 1 CD, giving interviews on 60 Minutes and planning his world tour this spring? He has volunteered to help recruit new teachers - especially teachers of color.

 

Carlos Santana records a spot to help CTA's minority teacher recruitment efforts.

 

Santana, who has entertained three generations of music fans, encourages people to enter the teaching profession in a public service announcement (PSA) sponsored by CTA and California Business for Educational Excellence.

 

"Do you love music?" he asks in the 30-second television spot. "Do you love art, books, science? We all love something. Whatever you love, think about teaching it. As a public school teacher, you can have a position of respect in your community. Teachers help change the world. Do something you love ... become a teacher."

 

The PSA was recorded in the superstar's personal recording studio in San Francisco. It urges people interested in becoming teachers to contact CalTeach, part of the California State University Institute for Education Reform.

 

Santana is the ideal spokesperson because he bridges the gap across all age groups and all cultural heritages. California needs more teachers of color to reflect the state's increasingly diverse student population and also serve as role models for children.

 

He and his wife, Deborah Santana, are the founders of the Milagro Foundation, which provides financial assistance for educational, medical and housing needs of children all over the world. The Santanas believe that life is a miracle (milagro) and that children everywhere deserve the opportunity to lead safe, healthy and educationally creative lives.