Exploring the Relationship Between Demographic Isolation and Professional Experiences of Black, Latinx, and White Teachers

• In Event: Structural Issues Effecting the Teacher Workforce

Abstract

Recruiting and retaining more teachers of color is a critical policy lever for educational equity and school improvement. Although numerous structural barriers may deter potential Black and Latinx teachers, schools have also struggled to retain current Black and Latinx teachers. Prior research suggests that Black and Latinx teachers may be particularly likely to leave schools with predominantly White teaching staffs. Drawing on theories of social isolation in the workplace, this analysis develops multiple measures of demographic isolation and then examines whether teachers’ self-reported professional experiences are associated with these measures of demographic isolation. Using statewide administrative and survey data from Tennessee, we explore the working conditions of Black and Latinx teachers in a context in which they are often isolated.

Authors

• Francisco Arturo Santelli, Vanderbilt University

• Susan Kemper Patrick, Vanderbilt University