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The educator workforce should reflect the diversity of the students they serve.
Teachers play a vital role in delivering literacy instruction that unlocks student achievement. In addition to the quality of their teacher’s instruction, all students benefit from access to a diverse educator workforce.
Students of color, in particular, achieve greater outcomes when they have access to teachers who share their racial background. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of teachers of color in U.S. schools. Many students of color may never experience having a teacher who shares their racial background during their entire time in school.
We support organizations dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to skilled and diverse teachers, with a focus on recruiting and retaining Black and Latino educators.
What We Do
We aim to build a skilled educator workforce that reflects the diversity of U.S. school communities and provides students with affirming and engaging literacy instruction.
To achieve this goal, we invest in organizations committed to increasing the number of Black and Latino educators and supporting their ongoing development throughout their careers.
Research indicates that schools led by educators of color are more likely to retain teachers of color and accelerate progress for students of color. We support programs that create pathways for Black and Latino educators to advance into leadership roles within their schools and districts, encouraging long-term retention in the education field.
Our Approach
Developing a skilled, diverse educator workforce requires investing in educators of color from their entry into the profession through their progression to leadership positions.
Diversifying the teacher pipeline
We invest in programs that recruit teachers of color and aim to reduce financial barriers and other obstacles to entering the profession. These efforts also aim to inspire more students of color to see teaching as a viable and worthwhile career choice.
Developing aspiring leaders
We fund organizations that support the retention and advancement of Black and Latino educators, aiming to increase the number of leaders of color in classrooms, schools, school systems and the education field.
Strengthening local educator pathways
We invest in organizations with regional programs working across policy, research and communications to support Black and Latino educators, helping to diversify the teaching profession in local communities.
Our Grantees
We fund organizations and initiatives working to diversify the teacher pipeline by recruiting and retaining Black and Latino educators.
View more Education grantees
Preparing Educators of Color
Reach University strengthens and diversifies the educator pipeline through accredited apprenticeship-based degrees.
Expanding the Influence of Black Teachers
The Black Teacher Collaborative (BTC) engages, supports and develops Black educators to ensure Black children are prepared to achieve at high levels.
Bringing Together Male Education Leaders of Color
Men of Color in Education Leadership (MCEL) convenes male education leaders of color for professional development and networking.