Black Teachers in Indiana: A Potential Shortage?

There is considerable concern regarding the declining proportion of minorities entering teaching. We use data on Indiana public school teachers to examine Black representation in the teaching force, their patterns of entry and attrition. We find that the overall picture—an aging Black teaching force, increasing attrition due to retirement, a decreasing proportion of new Black hires—suggests that Black representation in the teaching force may well become a cause for concern unless active recruitment policies are implemented.