Young Black and Latino teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District are some of the most dedicated educators. However, they are also at high risk of leaving the profession, as discovered in a recent report. The survey conducted in early 2024 revealed that about one-third of Gen Z Black and Latino teachers plan to exit the education field. Of those, 71% anticipate leaving within two years in search of higher-paying jobs or better work-life balance.
LAUSD has implemented various initiatives to enhance pathways into teaching professions for students of color and to support current teachers within the district. Jacob Guthrie, the district’s director of recruitment, selection, and retention, emphasized the importance of having a representative workforce for better student outcomes. The district is dedicated to offering pathways and assistance to Gen Z educators of color to ensure they feel supported and remain as district employees.
The survey and report were primarily conducted by GPSN, a local nonprofit focused on improving public education in Los Angeles, especially for students of color and those from impoverished backgrounds. The study involved focus group discussions in November 2023 and individual surveys with 400 district educators in early 2024. The responses of Gen Z Black and Latino teachers were compared with a general educator population to analyze their perspectives.
According to the report, providing affordable healthcare options and enhancing work-life balance are crucial factors in retaining young Black and Latino teachers in LAUSD. As concerns about retention and diversity in the future teacher workforce grow, it is essential to address these issues promptly.
Among the reasons why younger Black and Latino teachers are inclined to leave the district include pursuing higher-paying jobs, seeking better work-life balance, and experiencing burnout. The high cost of housing and living in gentrifying areas further exacerbates their desire to leave. Affordability concerns are prevalent among educators, with some resorting to living with multiple families due to financial constraints.
While the report did not specifically focus on gender, it was noted that gender plays a role in retention. Younger women may leave the profession due to challenges in balancing teaching and family responsibilities. The need for more male teachers of color in the district has also been stressed.
LAUSD has received positive feedback for its “grow your own” model, where former district students return as teachers to give back to their communities. Efforts to increase pathways into education careers for students at Black Student Achievement Plan campuses have been commended. The district also provides various opportunities for career development and support for teachers of color.
Addressing retention is crucial to ensure that teachers reflect the student population and create a welcoming environment for students. Providing affordable healthcare, improving work-life balance, offering incentive bonuses, and enhancing family leave are essential supports needed for retaining Gen Z Black and Latino educators. Professional development focused on social-emotional learning strategies and addressing behavioral issues in the classroom are also necessary.
While LAUSD offers support networks for Black educators, more intentional efforts are needed to retain teachers of color, ensure they feel valued, and create a supportive work environment. By prioritizing the needs of young Black and Latino teachers, LAUSD can improve retention rates and foster a diverse and inclusive educator workforce for the future.