| dc.description.abstract | ABC Public Schools is a school district on Cape Cod. While the region is known for vacationers and retirees, who are predominantly white, the working population (and therefore student population) is continuing to diversify. With a student population that is 59% white, 23% Hispanic, 8.7% Black, and 7.6% Multiracial, there is a staff at the district that is 95% white that does not reflect that same diversity. This disparity has been brought into question by the school committee, wondering if there are any systemic barriers that may be impacting the hiring and retention of staff of color. Research opens the door to the idea that there may be dominant systems and structures in organizations that could limit the hiring and retention of historically marginalized communities. Through the analysis of staff interviews, historical media, and hiring and termination data, this project aimed to explore the ABC Public Schools’ approaches to the hiring and retention of teachers of color and the perspectives and experiences of teachers of color in the school system. Findings included an overall importance to community connection, high cost of living is a factor in retention, there was a feeling of alienation and/or pressure to assimilate by staff of color, and there were potential sources of resistance to equity efforts felt by both staff of color and white staff. Recommendations focused on improving the social capital and mentorship of staff of color, building local pathways to teaching among community members of color, and focus intentional effort branding the school system and community as a place that appeals to all. | |
