Representation Matters
New York State is home to one of the most diverse student populations in the country.
Yet the makeup of the state’s teacher workforce falls far short in representing the rich diversity of its students, leaving many students of color without access to teachers of the same race or ethnicity as them.
Despite bodies of research that show access to diverse teachers is important for all students and efforts to improve diversity across the state, this new analysis shows that between the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years New York failed to move the needle in cultivating a more diverse teacher workforce.
Celebrating progress on educator diversity in New York State
Although there remains work to enhance educator diversity in New York, it is crucial to acknowledge and draw lessons from the progress made across the state in offering increased opportunities for teachers and school leaders from diverse backgrounds.
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.
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Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages
Educator Diversity Playbook
Across New York State there are school districts working hard to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for educators and students alike. Here are 5 steps every New York school district can take to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Seeking Solutions
There are immediate steps that state leaders can take to improve teacher and school leader diversity and strengthen public education in New York. And some of the best potential solutions are already being implemented in districts and colleges across the state. Read more about our recommendations for action steps.
Strengthen the educator preparation pipeline for future teachers and school leaders of color by:
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Requiring diversity data collection, use, and transparency for teacher preparation programs;
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Requiring teacher preparation programs to improve diversity and strengthen program components that prepare all teaching and administrator candidates to educate all groups of students;
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Read more about these recommendations in the full Representation Matters report
Improve recruitment and hiring at the state and school district level by:
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Focusing greater attention on retention, support, and career advancement for teachers of color by:
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Student Voice: A Natural Connection
-Wesley, student, Amityville
More than 115,000 Latinx and Black students attend schools with no teachers of the same race or ethnicity and an additional 80,000 Latinx and Black students attend schools with just one teacher of the same race or ethnicity.
A Teacher’s Perspective: Why I Teach
-Mary Gilbert, Rochester
Educators of color face distinct barriers to access and opportunity in their profession. Yet they work to navigate those challenges, staying focused on their students.