Educator Diversity
Having access to educators and school leaders of color is an essential driver of improved academic outcomes, social-emotional well-being, and cultural consciousness for students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Although New York State is home to one of the most diverse student populations in the country, the makeup of the state’s educator and school leader workforce is majority White, failing to reflect our students, who are mostly of color. Many students of color do not have access to educators or leaders of the same race or ethnicity as them.
Ensuring access to educators who are well-prepared, supported, and reflective of students of color is essential to improving equity and opportunity in New York State’s schools.
Our Equity-Centered Approach
As the first organization to provide a statewide view of educators and leaders of color, we analyze data on educator and school leader diversity, and retention and recruitment of teachers of color. To close persistent gaps in representation across the state, we work alongside our partners from the New York Equity Coalition to advocate for equitable policies and opportunities to cultivate more educators and school leaders of color to reflect student diversity in schools.
Latest Resource
Brief: Celebrating progress on educator diversity in New York State
Our latest report on educator diversity draws lessons from how the New York State Education Department (NYSED), local school districts, institutions of higher education, schools, and advocates are working toward improving educator diversity and retaining teachers of color.
Featured Resources and Reports Over the Years
Report: Representation Matters
Resource: Educator Diversity Playbook
Student Voice: A Natural Connection and an Outlet
A Teacher's Perspective: Why I Teach
Data Snapshot
of schools in New York State do not have any school leaders of color.
Black and Latinx students attend schools without teachers of the same race.
More Resources
EdTrust-New York FY27 Executive Budget Request
EdTrust-New York’s 2026 policy agenda is premised on the belief that all children can succeed in school when provided with high-quality, culturally relevant instruction and support that is equity-driven, data-centered, and student-focused. To improve outcomes across the state, particularly for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, EdTrust-New York advocates for an equitable system of education that helps schools meet the following milestones.
How New York Can Protect Students and Educators from Federal Attacks on Educator Diversity
Federal threats may aim to turn back the clock, but New York has the chance to lead. By safeguarding diversity, equity, and opportunity in education, the state can model what it means to stand up for students — and to invest in the educators of color who will shape the next generation.
New Data from the New York Equity Coalition Reveals Persistent Racial Gaps in Educator Representation and Retention
The interactive tool lets users explore disparities in student and teacher demographics, teacher retention rates by race and ethnicity, and district-specific data across various types of school communities, including New York City, the Big 4 districts (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers), and diverse geographic areas such as urban, suburban and rural areas.
Event Recap: Moving New York Forward: A Look at EdTrust-New York’s Recent Impact
On April 3, EdTrust-New York’s executive director Arlen Benjamin-Gomez joined Lisette Nieves, president of the Fund for the City of New York, and Denise Forte, president and CEO of EdTrust national, to discuss EdTrust-New York’s recent impact report and how the organization can build on the momentum to act with urgency and speak truth to power in the coming years.
In New York City Public Schools, Brown v. Board remains…unfulfilled
This year, May 17th marks the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that banned segregation in public schools, stating that separating children based on race was unconstitutional. And here in New York City, one of the most diverse cities in the world, that goal remains unfulfilled. School segregation continues to be the worst in the nation.
Arlen Benjamin-Gomez named executive director of EdTrust-New York
Prior to joining Ed Trust–NY, Arlen worked as an education equity advocate and policymaker for more than 20 years, deeply rooted in the fabric of New York. She recently served as an education equity advisor and consultant, collaborating closely with states, districts, and nonprofit organizations to propel racial, socioeconomic, and cultural equity in education.