Racial Disproportionality as Experienced by Educators of Color

Abstract

This qualitative case study sought to understand perceptions of educators’ of color on the role of race in student discipline in a Massachusetts Public School District. Research has supported the racial disproportionality in school discipline for decades. Understanding the perceptions of educators of color regarding such disproportionality are evaluated with attention to Critical Race Theory (CRT). Such perceptions were uncovered through interviews during which members shared their personal backgrounds and experiences. Data collection also included a review of discipline data reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). My analysis focused on the role of teacher diversity and educator subjectivity in the discipline of students of color. Findings evidenced that educators of color believe in the importance of educator-student relationships and underscored that educators of color viewed their race as a valuable asset in their work with students involved in disciplinary actions. The results of this study indicated that by virtue of their race and cultural experiences, educators of color provide strong and influential role models for students. Recommendations include recording, disaggregating, and analyzing student discipline data with a focus on race and supporting the current effort to increase the number of culturally proficient educators of color in the District.