Increase the population of teachers of color

Across the country and in most cities, the teaching population remains overwhelmingly white while the majority of students are of color. Research has documented the importance of culturally responsive teaching and curriculum, connections between educators, families and communities, and the power of students having role models who look like them. While increasing the percentage of teachers of color is only one part of the solution, it is a critical element. Expanding opportunities for career switching, increasing teacher recruitment from undergraduate institutions with high percentages of students of color, and changing the tuition model to make teacher training affordable for more candidates of color are all promising approaches to explore.