5 Strategies for Building a Diverse Team of Teachers

It’s that time of year again—recruitment season is in full swing, and I couldn’t be more excited. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of being actively involved in the recruitment and hiring process for teachers in my school district. Through strategic recruitment efforts, the English language arts department at my high school, which I oversee, now stands out as the most diverse department in the district.

Engaging in the recruitment process is an opportunity for schools to expand their horizons, and I see it as a positive way to build a strong team. As someone who enjoys problem-solving, I take pleasure in finding the right individuals who fit perfectly into our team. Given my role in working closely with new teachers, I relish the chance to connect with the candidates I bring on board.

While the process of filling teaching positions may seem challenging and tumultuous lately, it’s no secret that teacher mobility is on the rise, the national teacher shortage is a real concern, and the demand for science and math teachers is higher than ever. The current landscape presents significant hurdles in recruiting and retaining quality educators.

In today’s market, teachers are in high demand. Despite facing a competitive pool of applicants, it’s crucial to prioritize finding the right match for your team or school rather than simply filling a vacancy. Each teacher plays a vital role in the school community, making it essential to find and attract the best candidates for your students.

5 Effective Ways to Attract a Diverse Pool of Outstanding Teachers

1. Foster Collaboration in Identifying Ideal Candidates: Before initiating the recruitment process, collaborating with the hiring team to define the qualities and values you seek in a candidate is crucial. Simply having an impressive resume or experience does not guarantee a good fit. It’s essential to attract teachers who are committed to staying in the district, as retention is key for student and school success.

For our team, values such as community engagement and teachability are paramount. Community-oriented teachers build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, while teachable individuals are open to feedback and self-improvement.

Every school may prioritize different attributes, but once you identify these values, tailor your interview process to assess how well candidates align with them.

2. Align Interview Questions with Hiring Goals: While standard interview questions are essential, going beyond the norm is crucial. Asking specific questions that reflect your school’s values and objectives can help identify candidates who are truly aligned with your mission.

For instance, questions like how a candidate leveraged student relationships for learning acceleration, defining respect in the classroom, or strategies for understanding students and their families can provide deeper insights into a candidate’s suitability.

Finding the ideal candidate may not always fit the standard mold. It’s vital to prioritize attributes like reflective practices and openness to feedback over mere experience during the selection process.

3. Evaluate Candidates in Real-Life Scenarios: Seeking teachers who are responsive to feedback and self-assessment is crucial. Concluding demonstration lessons with actionable feedback allows you to gauge a candidate’s ability to reflect and improve based on constructive criticism.

Post-demo lessons, asking teachers to reflect on what went well and what they would change encourages ownership and accountability for their teaching approach.

4. Prioritize Diversity in Your Teaching Team: Despite the majority of U.S. public school teachers being White, a diverse faculty benefits all students. Schools with a diverse teacher population offer varied perspectives and role models, essential for fostering inclusivity and dispelling stereotypes.

If your school serves Black and Brown students, actively seek teachers who represent their demographic. Representation in teaching staff is vital for students to see themselves reflected in the curriculum and teaching personnel.

One strategy is to target teachers pursuing certification through alternate pathways, as traditional routes may pose barriers for minority candidates. Advertising vacancies as open to alternate-route teachers can attract a more diverse applicant pool.

5. Be Transparent with Prospective Teachers: While recruitment involves marketing your school’s strengths, maintaining transparency is key. Highlighting your school community’s values, commitment to innovation, and growth opportunities is essential, but be honest about challenges and post-pandemic impacts.

Prospective teachers should have a clear view of your school’s environment, strengths, and potential drawbacks. Avoid overselling to prevent future dissatisfaction among hires. Candidly showcasing your school’s workings allows candidates to make informed decisions and hopefully commit for the long term.