Senate Bolsters Educator Diversity Efforts in New York State

Task Force on Educator Diversity: Sponsored by Senator Jabari Brisport, S3385A establishes a task force on educator diversity in New York state to conduct a study on the state of diversity among educators in New York and devise strategies to promote educator diversity. New York, despite its rich diversity, is experiencing a lack of diversity among its educators. This bill seeks to address the issues surrounding the lack of teacher diversity in New York State.

The Underrepresented Teachers of Tomorrow Program: Senate Bill S1192, sponsored by Senator Roxanne Persaud, establishes the Underrepresented Teachers of Tomorrow teacher recruitment and retention program, which would provide awards designed to attract and retain educators from underrepresented demographics. According to the New York State Education Department's December 2019 Educator Diversity Report, New York’s student population has become increasingly diverse, while the racial and ethnic composition of the teacher workforce has remained relatively constant.

The Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow Program: Sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, S3408 establishes the Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow teacher recruitment and retention program to attract and retain bilingual, certified teachers in areas of greatest need.

Diversity and Empowerment Convention: Senate Bill S1988, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson, directs the Commissioner of Education to convene statewide and regional conventions to bring together underrepresented educators annually to discuss experiences and best practices, as well as allow for networking, mentorship opportunities, and support.

Strengthening the Amistad Commission: Senate Bill S1032, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson, authorizes the Commissioner of Education to lead the Amistad Commission, instead of the Secretary of State, and expands the duties of such Commission.  The Amistad Commission was established by the Legislature in 2005 to review state curricula about the slave trade.

Bill Sponsor Senator Jabari Brisport said, “As a Black boy, I had a total of just one Black male teacher my entire time from kindergarten through high school. When I became a teacher myself, I learned that just 2% of teachers nationwide are Black men.  We know that when BIPOC students have teachers who look like them it improves educational outcomes, and we also know that time alone is not resolving the lack of diversity in our education workforce. We must proactively develop strategies to open the door for more people of color to become teachers and to be supported once they do.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Robert Jackson said, “We have a responsibility to ensure that our teachers reflect the diversity of the students they serve. This is why I remain dedicated to addressing New York's teacher diversity issue. Teachers of color often bear the burden of supporting students of color who look up to them as leaders and role models. This disparity can leave them feeling isolated among their peers. Passing legislation such as my bills S1988 and S1032 is a significant step in the right direction, as it will allocate resources to ensure that all children in New York State receive a quality education. I take great pride in being a part of a Senate majority that is deeply committed to addressing this critical issue.”

Bill Sponsor Kevin Parker said, “I am elated to share the momentous news of the Senate's approval of The Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow Program. This legislation, a vital part of our broader School and Education Diversity Package, signifies a giant leap towards addressing disparities in our education system. By creating a specialized program to attract and retain bilingual teachers, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that our schools reflect the diversity of our communities. This is a monumental achievement for education equity and a testament to our commitment to providing all students with a well-rounded, culturally responsive learning experience.”