Firefighters continue to battle 17 wildfires as air quality reaches hazardous levels across the state 

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Minnesota's student population has grown significantly more diverse over the past few decades. Today, nearly 40 percent of the state's K-12 students identify as students of color.

But, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, 

just 7 percent of the state’s teachers identify as teachers of color

The gap is even wider for Black educators

. While Black students make up about 12 percent of Minnesota's student population, Black teachers account for just 1.4 percent of the state's teaching workforce. And Black men make up only 0.5 percent of all K-12 teachers in the state.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders of Black Men Teach, a Twin Cities organization that’s working to recruit, prepare and support Black male elementary school teachers in Minnesota.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Education News

Social Issues

Conversations around race and racial justice

Shows

MPR News with Angela Davis

On Air

Host

Author

Representation matters. And that applies to the classroom as well. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with teachers and the CEO of Black Men Teach, an organization that is focused on placing and retaining Black male teachers in the Twin Cities.

Minnesota's student population has grown significantly more diverse over the past few decades. Today, nearly 40 percent of the state's K-12 students identify as students of color.But, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, just 7 percent of the state’s teachers identify as teachers of color.The gap is even wider for Black educators. While Black students make up about 12 percent of Minnesota's student population, Black teachers account for just 1.4 percent of the state's teaching workforce. And Black men make up only 0.5 percent of all K-12 teachers in the state.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders of Black Men Teach, a Twin Cities organization that’s working to recruit, prepare and support Black male elementary school teachers in Minnesota.

Why Minnesota needs more Black teachers

Nikhil Kumaran | MPR News

four people smiling in a broadcast studio

Why Minnesota needs more Black teachers

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox