DRIVE for Forsyth Task Force aims to diversify the local educator workforce

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is looking to recruit and retain a diverse educator workforce. The local effort to address racial disparities builds upon work the state began doing about four years ago.

In December of 2019, Gov. Roy Cooper established the DRIVE Task Force, which stands for Developing a Representative and Inclusive Vision for Education. Members worked to develop plans and compile research around creating and sustaining a diverse educator workforce in the state. 

The group disbanded last year, but education leaders in Forsyth County are picking up where they left off.

At a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board meeting on Tuesday, Alexandra Hoskins, executive director of systems coherence and strategic planning, spoke about the newly created local task force: DRIVE for Forsyth. 

“There is great disparity among our teacher workforce," Hoskins said. "And so what the task force is tasked to do is to take a look at what strategies can we identify to impact that; to recruit, retain, support, educators of color, specifically Black and brown educators.” 

White, Black, and Hispanic students each make up about 30% of the district’s population. But the racial breakdown of teachers doesn’t match. 

About 71% of teachers are white. Less than a quarter are Black, and only 4% are Hispanic. 

Hoskins says research shows that students of color see increased achievement, and reduced disciplinary infractions when they have access to teachers who look like them. She also says all students benefit from having teachers with diverse backgrounds. 

“So while we want to move the needle and reduce our achievement gaps, we know that we also want to further the achievement of all students," Hoskins said. "And so adjusting, and recruiting and retaining teachers of color will have a lasting impact on all students across our board.”

The task force is made up of 39 members, including district parents and staff, as well as local community leaders.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.