According to a new study led by New York University, Black teachers in New York City public schools are more likely to stay in their role if the school they work for has a Black principal or has at least a moderate share of Black teachers.
Upon analyzing nine years of data regarding teacher demographics, transfers, and turnover rates in New York City public schools between the 2011-12 and 2019-20 academic years, the study authors found Black teachers were 2 percentage points less likely to leave their school if it was led by a Black principal. Black teachers were also 2 percentage points less likely to quit or transfer if at least one fifth of their school’s share of teachers were Black. Notably, a similar – but less pronounced – pattern was found for White teachers working with White principals and predominately White co-workers.
Considering Black and White teachers represent a combined 95 percent of the New York City public school teacher workforce, the authors believe their findings suggest further research is needed to understand the influences leading to these patterns, as well as investigate how New York City public school teachers can be better supported.
