Blog

February 22, 2023

“I want to have more teachers who look like me” is something commonly said by students when they discuss educators understanding their goals and barriers. Students want more teachers to express their problems and challenges at home and they feel most comfortable sharing those thoughts with teachers who they see themselves in. 

What’s the answer to having more educators of diverse backgrounds? Inspiring current students to become educators, in particular students of color. That is exactly what Best In Class is doing through the High School to Teaching Model Community of Practice. 

Best In Class, a partnership between Educate Texas and the Commit Partnership, is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to effective and diverse educators. As part of the Gates Foundation statewide teacher workforce development strategy, the two organizations are convening leaders in human capital management, career and technical education, and education preparation program leaders from across the metroplex to bring them data and insights from experts, and testimonials from students to help inspire the educators of tomorrow.

“One of the current challenges we are facing is that there is a decrease in the number of students interested in entering the teaching profession,” said Best In Class Director Tonya Clark. “As educators, we have to think back to a time in our lives when we were inspired by our teachers and the seed to become an educator was planted and do the same for current students.” 

The Community of Practice has participants from 11 school districts, nine institutions of higher education, and works with various partner organizations to develop programming to best support students in education pathway programs all around Dallas County. 

“I am excited about my ability to impact change at various levels,” said Dr. Tiffany Kirksey, Dallas College. “There seems to be a shared enthusiasm around support of diverse students who so greatly need it.” 

The High School to Teaching Community of Practice will have two more convenings this spring and will continue to support diversifying a high quality teacher workforce.

Learn more about Best In Class