This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson. Most American public

school students are kids of color, but a small minority of teachers are. And the latest

data shows that fewer than 10% of American teachers are black. So what's driving the

black teacher's shortage and what's at stake for nation's kids?

All the disruptions, the challenges of virtual learning, challenges for kids and families

because of COVID's economic impact, the health impact on families. All of that took a toll

on teachers.

Solving the black teacher's shortage, coming up on a word with me, Jason Johnson. Stay

with us.

This is Jason Johnson. I want to thank you for listening to a word, especially our Slate

Plus subscribers who support, helps make a word possible. Slate Plus subscribers enjoy

podcasts, add free, bonus content, and access to all of Slate's great reporting on the site.

If you enjoy a word, sign up now at Slate.com slash a word plus. Thanks again.

Welcome to a word, a podcast about race and politics and everything else. I'm your host,

Jason Johnson. This month as students settled back into school, we're focusing on issues

important to education. Today, we're talking about the shortage of black teachers. Students

of color have made up the majority of those in American public schools for close to a

decade, but only about 20% of teachers are non-white and fewer than 10% are black. Research

suggests that better representation among teachers benefits black students by helping

close the achievement gap, encouraging more equitable school discipline, and lower drop

out rates. How do we get more promising black professionals into teaching? How do we keep

more veteran black teachers in schools? Joining us to talk about this is John King. He's

...