Diversity in Teaching Staff in Schools

How diverse are the teachers in American Schools?

According to the United States Census Bureau, the racial and ethnic diversity has increased in 2020 when compared to the 2010 census report. America is diversifying faster even after this report was published. 4 out of every 10 Americans identify with a race or ethnic group other than whites. In fact, the past several censuses have shown increased racial and ethnic diversity in the United States (https://www.brookings.edu/articles/new-census-data-shows-the-nation-is-diversifying-even-faster-than-predicted/).

Most student populations in American schools reflect the diversity that is present in the country, but are the teachers in the schools from diverse backgrounds too or do most schools hire predominantly white teachers? If you walk into a school, the staff should to some extent represent the diverse student population. What impact can this have on the students who come from diverse backgrounds? In other words, what if the teachers were hired to ensure that the staff represents the diversity in schools? If the staff in a school is from ethnic or racially diverse origins, they will be able to build positive relationships based on the connections they make with their students. Simultaneously, the students will be able to relate to them more easily and confide in their teachers. Universities could attract candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to enroll into Teacher Preparation Programs and school districts also need to think of ways they can employ diverse staff. This is very crucial for the socio-emotional development of children who would be more comfortable if the teacher speaks their language or understands their cultural background. It eliminates fear and embarrassment that can be created in hostile and uncomfortable learning environments. These bilingual or multilingual teachers could be an important resource to school districts for the students’ overall development and they could be helpful in bringing in the parents who hesitate to approach the school or their child’s teacher because of language barriers.