Time For Change: The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practitioners on Independent School Campuses

Abstract

In an increasingly diverse nation, establishing representative, equitable, and inclusive work environments has become a prominent discussion for many organizations. This journey for NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) towards a more diverse and inclusive institution began over 40 years ago with strategies to integrate independent schools and expand DEI practices across its vast partnership of 1600 schools nationwide. In this study, the researchers explore how the presence of a DEI practitioner on an independent school campus affects staff culture and DEI professional development offerings. This mixed-methods impact evaluation found that staff culture is improved with the presence of a practitioner on campus and that this was especially true for teachers of color on those campuses. Staff culture for white teachers also improved with the presence of a DEI practitioner. In addition, there was a strong correlation between staff culture for teachers of color and the increased number of quality PD offerings. As a result of the findings in this study the researchers recommend that each NAIS institution fund a DEI practitioner on their campus, offer at least 3 quality DEI PD offerings each year, and fully fund any teacher of color who desires to attend the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC).