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
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.
Celebrating Progress on Educator Diversity in New York
This 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.
EdTrust-New York Statement on NY Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address
Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State proposal includes several important proposals that will advance educational equity for New York children, students, and their families.
Invest in EdTrust-New York’s collective advocacy this Giving Tuesday
With your support this Giving Tuesday our work can continue to advance educational justice in New York State.
School Leader Diversity in New York State
While New York is one of the most diverse states in the nation, a new by the New York Equity Coalition shows school level leadership does not represent the racial and ethnic diversity of the student population in New York State public schools. The analysis reveals more than half of students attend a school without any school leaders of color.