Black teachers improve outcomes for all students, but the profession remains largely white

Kareem Neal, a teacher at Maryvale High School in Phoenix, poses in his classroom in October 2022. Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images

Having Black teachers and other educators of color improves students’ classroom experiences, research shows. They often serve as role models, set high academic expectations and teach material that connects to students’ lives outside of schools.

This can lead to higher standardized test scores, better school attendance and more classroom engagement – particularly when it comes to students who share their teacher’s racial or ethnic background, but also for all students.