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This article was originally featured in WBOC 16.
New data from the Delaware Department of Education show that while the state’s public school students are becoming increasingly diverse, the same is not true of its teachers.
According to the report, teacher and school leader workforce diversity has remained largely stagnant despite efforts to recruit and retain more minority teachers.
Teacher diversity data released by the department Friday show the percentage of non-white teachers statewide is around 15 percent. Meanwhile, about 55 percent of students are students of color.
Studies have shown having a diverse teacher workforce can lead to higher levels of student achievement.
Atnre Alleyne is the founder and executive director of the Delaware Campaign for Achievement Now. He says it’s empowering for students to see someone in their building who looks like them.