TUCSON, Ariz.
Tucson’s largest school district has launched a $550,000 effort to recruit minority teachers, hoping to diversify its staff and give minority students a better chance of seeing themselves as part of the education system.
Experts say the feeling of belonging translates into long-term success for students, an important goal for a district whose minority students traditionally trail Anglo counterparts in academic achievement.
The numbers show a disconnect with population rates.
According to 2005 U.S. Census Bureau numbers, the most recent available, more than 40 percent of Tucson’s population was Hispanic then. That year, about 24 percent of Tucson Unified School District teachers were Hispanic. Last year, the number fell to about 21 percent.
Tucson Unified employed 1,009 high school teachers last year, and five were American Indian. There were two Asian teachers in all middle schools combined. Anglo teachers made up 74 percent of the teaching staff.
Richard Foster, who heads the district’s minority teacher recruitment effort, said he will travel to other cities and states in search of candidates.
