© 2024 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News
To contact us with news tips, story ideas or other related information, e-mail newsstaff@ideastream.org.

Study Finds Percentage of Minority Teachers at Cleveland Charter Schools Declined

As charter schools in the Cleveland area grew, the racial diversity of its teachers did not match its population. That’s the finding of a new study by the Shanker Institute that looked at Cleveland teacher diversity between 2000 and 2011.  The liberal-leaning education think tank found that the percentage of black teachers at Cleveland charter schools declined even as those schools increased hiring. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers says there needs to be more investment in teacher training programs across the country.

"We have to incentivize the collaboration between colleges of education and district and charter networks.  So we create not just a pipeline but a mentoring program, an induction program, teacher residency programs.  Really having that kind of connection." Weingarten said.

Weingarten also recommends investing in teacher training at minority colleges including historically black universities and tribal colleges.  She adds that minority children are better served when they have educator role models who look like them.

Gabriel Kramer is a reporter/producer and the host of “NewsDepth,” Ideastream Public Media's news show for kids.