This question is based on data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) School District Profiles.

In the 2023 school year, most of the municipalities in the Fifth Middlesex District had no teachers who identified as Black.

This is a loss for all students, and is especially harmful for our Black students. Research shows that when Black students have Black teachers they are more likely to thrive academically and less likely to be suspended.

In your role as Senator, what will you do to hire more Black teachers and to increase the number of Black students who seek a career in teaching?