Teacher Diversity in Our Schools

Under Bloomberg/Klein the number of teachers of color in our system fell dramatically. The UFT’s Social and Economic Justice Committee (which New Action co-chairs) played a leading role making the issue of diversity of the NYC teaching staff a UFT priority, bringing it to our Delegate Assembly in 2011.

The work of this Committee has led to meetings with Fariña’s reps. A current proposal includes selecting high schools to serve as pipelines to recruit young people of color, and publicizing it in community centers, among counselors, at college and career fairs, fraternities and sororities, etc. Discussions have taken place regarding funding. A promising effort is the possibility to partner with the Brooklyn Borough President’s office.

The UFT and DOE are meeting monthly to get these proposals going by September. New Action has been and will continue to be right there to assure these happen.