Beyond Legislation: Efforts at Increasing Teacher Diversity in Diverse-by-Design Charter Schools

• In Event: 15.061 - MTCC Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: 15.061-3 - Alternatives Pathways to Traditional Teacher Education

Abstract

Research has found that students with teachers of the same race are less likely to be suspended, more likely to be referred to gifted programs, and more likely to complete high school and go to college. Despite these benefits, the diversity of the nation’s teacher workforce has not kept pace with increases in student diversity. States have adopted aspirational legislation aimed at increasing teaching diversity, but have fallen short of diversity targets. This qualitative study examines efforts to increase teacher diversity at 26 diverse-by-design charter schools across five locales. Approaches uncovered include grow-your-own credentialing programs targeting diverse teacher candidates and the use of data to refine national recruitment efforts. We end by offering implications for policy, practice, and future research.

Authors

• Joanna R. Smith, University of Oregon

• Priscilla Wohlstetter, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Sara R Sands, Teachers College, Columbia University