Increasing The Number Of Ethnic Minority Teachers Is Essential

Thu, May 04, 2006

Source: ATL

It is vital that the DfES and TDA actively encourage more people from ethnic minority groups into teaching, says the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) commenting on the School Workforce figures released today by the DfES.

It is vital that the DfES and TDA actively encourage more people from ethnic minority groups into teaching, says the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) commenting on the School Workforce figures released today by the DfES.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of ATL, said:

“People from ethnic minority groups are currently under-represented in the teaching profession, with recent evidence suggesting more than 90% of teachers in all English regions, with the exception of London and the West Midlands, are White British.

“It is vital that society values the contribution of ethnic minority teachers. Ethnic minority teachers provide important role models especially for ethnic minority pupils, help schools promote good race relations and racial equality, and play an important role in helping schools meet the needs of pupils from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“Their role is pivotal in the multicultural British society in which we live today.

“We call upon the DfES and TDA to make the teaching profession attractive to people from ethnic minority backgrounds.  It is also important that schools do more to value, develop and retain ethnic minority teachers who are currently involved in teaching.”

For further information please contact the ATL press office on 0207 782 1589 or visit our website www.atl.org.uk.

ATL