Teacher-of-color affinity groups as the most common strategy for fostering belonging and retention¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Affinity groups were "by far, the most common strategy among the participating LEAs to center the lived experiences of teachers of color and foster their belonging within the LEAs." Four LEAs developed explicit affinity group structures and one developed a mentorship program with common aspects. Designs include teacher-only spaces with some allies, optional discussion spaces for unpacking membership within racial or intersectional groups, and regional convenings to reach critical mass where local numbers of teachers of color are low.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Facilitators need coaching and post-meeting reflection time to ensure participants' time is used thoughtfully

Constraints¶

• One Design Team deliberately delayed admitting allies until teachers of color had built structures they were comfortable with

Target Learners¶

• Teachers of color in K-12 districts and charter networks

Target Learning Goals¶

• Building belonging, community, and retention among teachers of color

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Bland, J. & Smith, K. (2023, February). Recruitment and retention: Pilot solutions designed by teachers of color (Phase I). Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/168