Minn. Lawmakers Working On Bill To Increase Diversity In Teaching

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- One of the bills state lawmakers are working on this session has to do with increasing the number of teachers of color in Minnesota.

Right now only four percent of teachers in Minnesota are of color while 33 percent of Minnesota students are of color.

Supporters of the bill say when educators reflect the diversity of their students they will be more successful in narrowing the achievement gap.

"It sets a clear path to attract, prepare and help candidates complete their programs through marketing, grants and scholarships. It focuses on meaningful methods of retention, like mentoring and affinity group support," Kimberly Colbert, an English teacher, said.

The goal is to increase the number of teachers of color from four percent to eight percent by 2020.