Initiative

Educators of Color Network

The Educators of Color Network is a school-university partnership initiative created to help build a more diverse teacher workforce in North Carolina.

UNCW’s Watson College of Education launched the EOC Network in 2022. The group is comprised of current and retired P-12 teachers and school leaders, university faculty and students who work collaboratively to envision and facilitate activities to recruit students of color into the teaching profession, retain current educators of color and engage school partners in advocacy efforts to establish a broader, more diverse network of professionals.

More than 150 educators from across the state are participating in the EOC Network.

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Fast Facts

Relevant Actions
State or Local? State
CountiesAll
Lead Agency UNC Wilmington
Type of Agency

Nonprofit

Racial Equity Lens
  • Diversity is a central component of success for students, educators, and schools. Belonging to and engaging with a diverse community of educators, school leaders and students leads to more positive outcomes for all learners. According to a 2018 report from the Learning Policy Institute, “Research shows that teachers of color help close achievement gaps for students of color and are highly rated by students of all races.” Diversity in the teacher workforce contributes to an increase in student performance, graduation rates, and aspirations to attend college. These benefits extend to White students who report feeling cared for and academically challenged by teachers.
Impact

  • Established 3 new local affinity groups in Carteret, Jones, and Wayne Counties

  • Established 4 work groups: Recruitment, Retention, Advocacy, and Communication

  • 2021-2023: Increased membership numbers from 18 to 191

  • 28 school districts and representatives from NC Community Colleges, NC DPI, NC Governor’s Office, Regional and Statewide Community Agencies
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Active Counties