Diverse teachers close opportunity gaps.
American classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse. As NEA President Dennis Van Roekel has noted, “Educators with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to value the diversity among students will contribute to an educational system designed to serve all students well.”
Students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are more diverse than ever.
42%
in Massachusetts
students of color
13.3%
teachers of color
in Massachusetts
Yet the teaching workforce does not represent the backgrounds of their students.
increase the number of role models for students of color
provide opportunities for all students to learn about ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity
More teachers of color would:
be able to enrich diverse students’ learning because of shared racial, ethnic, and cultural identities
serve as cultural brokers, able not only to help students navigate their school environment and culture, but also to increase the involvement of other teachers and their students’ parents