As educators, we are community leaders. It is our responsibility to ensure every kid, regardless of ZIP code, has access to a quality public education. This means we support the needs of students from every background and represent and incorporate diversity into our classrooms and schools. 

ISTA Response

ISTA President Keith Gambill issued a statement in response to recent protests against police violence: 

"Today, young black people grow up witnessing and experiencing systemic violence, oppression and racism across the state, in their communities and sometimes in their schools," said Gambill. "We cannot be silent. Educators are in this fight. We stand in solidarity with the Black community, with our union brothers and sisters in states and cities across the country, and with everyone fighting for equality, inclusion and against the plague of systemic racism."

ISTA Advocacy 

ISTA continues to look inward at what we, as educators and an association, can do to improve representation of persons of color as teachers, educators and school leaders. 

Our Minority Affairs Committee reviewed and revised ISTA's Minority Improvement Plan. The committee updated the plan to reflect today's struggles, challenges and realities that face both educators and students of color. The plan looks to increase outreach to educators of color by building and strengthening relationships, implement racial justice training, improve the professional development opportunities for educators of color and advance efforts to recruit and retain more educators of color. 

Take Action 

There are numerous national and state organizations working toward equity for all. Take action by joining, supporting and sharing these organizations that are leading the fight nationally and in our communities. 

Resources