Becky Pringle Pushes Action on Rising Departure of Black Teachers

The leader of the largest teachers' union in the nation expressed deep concern regarding the persistent shortage of teachers, particularly among Black educators. Rebecca S. Pringle, president of the National Education Association, highlighted alarming trends at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Studies reveal that Black teachers represent a mere 6% of the teaching workforce in the United States, in stark contrast to around 80% of white educators, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Pringle noted that Black teachers are significantly more inclined to leave their positions than their white and Hispanic counterparts. A recent RAND Corporation survey indicated that 28% of Black teachers plan to exit by the 2024-2025 school year—twice the rate of white teachers. Factors such as lower salaries, job-related stress, and inadequate respect play crucial roles in this exodus, with Pringle emphasizing the need for better support and resources for these professionals.