US teachers are nowhere near as diverse as their students; groups commit to turn that around

CP28237933
Lyle Alderson, left, a former teacher, with his wife Jan Alderson, a high school science teacher, both of Overland Park, Kansas, and Kevin Gilbert, 42, of Ridgeland, Miss., right, a member-at-large on the National Education Association (NEA) executive committee and a former social studies teacher and coach, are interviewed in Washington on Thursday, May 1, 2014. Mrs. Alderson is a National Teacher Hall of Fame inductee. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON – New research shows that U.S. teachers are nowhere near as diverse as their students.

The diversity gap comes as the number of minority students in public schools is on the rise. Almost half the students in the public system are minorities.

Studies from the Center for American Progress and the National Education Association point out that only 18 per cent of the teachers in the public school system are nonwhite.

The NEA, the Education Department, the American Federal of Teachers and others are committed to turning around those numbers.

Teachers and advocates say minority students can be helped by seeing successful teachers in the classroom.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles