APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Recruiting minority teachers to school districts throughout Northeast Wisconsin has been a struggle.
“Overall across our country the number of people enrolling into courses to become teachers has dropped, which is alarming,” said Sae Yang. “It’s even more alarming that we have very few teachers of color.”
Yang is one of a few minority teachers at Appleton West High School but tells FOX 11 the district works hard to promote representation among staff and students.
“I am a part of the district’s Achievement, Community and Equity Committee and we really put an emphasis on being more culturally responsive.”
The school district has also developed a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department to provide more support for students of color.
Nick Ivory is apart of the department and tells FOX 11 he’s already seen a change in many of his students.
“Students are more confident about who they are and more proud of their background and heritage. They feel like they have people to talk to if they’re having problems and they’re talking to people that look like them.”
As the population of minority students continues to grow, Yang says they’re hoping these additional resources will benefit all students.
“I think it’s beneficial for all students not just students of color. It’s important for our Caucasian students to see that everyone appreciates diversity. It’s even more important for our students of color to see people who are like them and that education is important and you can be successful.”
Using last year’s data, the minority population for the Appleton School district is about 20%.
