It’s no secret that when students have teachers of the same race or ethnicity, they tend to do better academically. Yet people of color make up a relatively small percentage of the teaching workforce.

Today we’re joined by Dr. Searetha Smith-Collins, a career educator and former superintendent and chief academic officer, to talk about workforce diversity in education: why it matters, and steps schools can take to overcome roadblocks to inclusive hiring practices.

Related Resources:

• 4 Real-Life Stories About Equity in Education
• Podcast: 5 Generations at Work. Today’s workforce consists of up to FIVE generations of people. Here’s how they’re different, how they complement each other, and how leadership can maximize each one’s strengths in schools.
• Podcast: Not Your Father's Labor Market. Teachers entering the workforce today are different from those who entered the profession a few decades ago. What does that mean for school districts?
• Podcast: Grow Your Own Teachers. When leaders at this school district wanted a teacher workforce that reflected the diversity of its student body, the answer was right in front of them.
• The Line: Resources on Equity in Education