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What Works in Public Education

90 Percent: White Teachers

by Edutopia Staff

Percentage of the teaching profession that is white. Though nearly four out of every ten students are members of an ethnic minority, only 10 percent of teachers are, and some 40 percent of all public schools have no minority teachers. Also, the percentage of black teachers is the lowest since 1971 (6 percent), and only 5 percent of teachers are Hispanics, Asians, or members of other ethnic groups.

Some research suggests that students of color perform better -- academically, personally, and socially -- when taught by teachers from their own ethnic groups.

This article was also published in Edutopia Magazine, September 2006