Teaching Profession Video

Explainer: Why Is America’s Teaching Force So White?

By Brooke Saias — December 7, 2021 5:26
Freda Arnold chats with some of her students at Booker Junior High school in Little Rock, Ark., on Dec. 21, 1965. Arnold is one of four white educators on the faculty of the all-Black school.

The lack of teacher diversity dates back to the establishment of America’s public school system. The video above offers a look at the history and some early signs of hope.

See Also

Families gather at Sunnyside Elementary School for a "Children-Center March for Black Lives" for the 83rd straight night in Portland, Oregon on Aug. 18, 2020.
Families gather at Sunnyside Elementary School for a "Children-Center March for Black Lives" for the 83rd straight night in Portland, Oregon on Aug. 18, 2020.
Justin Katigbak/SIPA USA via AP

Brooke Saias is a video producer for Education Week, working to tell stories about the impact of education on communities.

This project is sponsored by Learning Ally. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.

Video

School & District Management Video Two Principals, One Agenda: Keep Kids Safe From Immigration Action
Two principals talk to Education Week about how to work through the fear and chaos of ICE action.
1 min read
Early Childhood Video How Play Carts Can Transform Early Education
Play carts make it easy to follow Connecticut’s play-based learning mandate.
1 min read
Connecticut passed legislation requiring public preschools and kindergartens to provide play-based learning during the school day.
Connecticut passed legislation requiring public preschools and kindergartens to provide play-based learning during the school day.
Victor J. Blue for Education Week
Early Childhood Video A Charter School Finds 'Looping' Strategy Benefits Youngest Students
Capital City Public Charter School, the first parent-founded charter school in the nation’s capital, takes a unique approach to early learning.
1 min read
Artificial Intelligence Video What AI Use Guidelines Should Look Like for Schools
Many teachers say they are not getting good guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
1 min read