Public schools often encounter diversity challenges. Minority students make up almost half of all public school students, but minority teachers account for only 18 percent of the teacher workforce.
Now, a new report from the Brookings Institution seeks to address the diversity issue and get to the root of the challenge.
Key points:
- Attaining a diverse teacher workforce should be a long-term policy goal
- Strategies should be put in place to help minority teachers succeed in college and remain in the classroom
The report intends to answer two questions:
- What will it take to achieve a national teacher workforce that is as diverse as the student body it serves?
- How long will it take to reach that goal?
Four key moments along the teacher pipeline are examined: college attendance and completion, majoring in education or pursuing another teacher preparation pathway, hiring into a teaching position, and staying in teaching year after year.
Next page: Four strategies that might improve diversity
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all) - Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026
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Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all)
- Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026
- AI use is on the rise, but is guidance keeping pace? - January 2, 2026