NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Recent statistics from the New Tennessee State Collaborative on Education Reform (SCORE) have highlighted disparities in racial representation between Tennessee teachers and students.
According to the data, Black students account for 41% of the state’s student population, yet only 23% of teachers are Black. Similarly, Hispanic students make up 18% of the student body, while only 2% of teachers are Hispanic.
Reflecting on these figures, Lydia Schumake expressed concern over the longstanding issue of underrepresentation. Despite the lack of teachers who resembled her during her formative years, she fondly recalls the impact of one particular educator.
Recalling her favorite teacher, Ms. Deborah Grimes, Schumake shared, “To this day I still speak to her. She was my first African American teacher that I could remember, and she actually took the time to connect with me.”
With aspirations to emulate the supportive role model she had in Ms. Grimes, Schumake aims to fill the void she once experienced. She emphasized, “I hope to be that resource that I did not have.”
Highlighting the potential repercussions of inadequate representation, Schumake underscored the importance of diverse role models. Tee Wilson, another educator, echoed these sentiments, drawing from her own experiences of feeling marginalized.
Wilson recounted a distressing incident at 14 when she was expelled from her Catholic high school due to her hairstyle. Reflecting on the ordeal, she shared, “It was humiliating. It made me question whether I was good enough to be in that setting.”
Drawing from her past struggles, Wilson emphasized the need to create a supportive environment for students, devoid of such traumatic experiences. She stressed the significance of seeing individuals who share similar backgrounds achieving success.
Proposing solutions to address the disparity, Wilson and Schumake advocate for increased funding for resources and teacher support to bridge the existing gap. Furthermore, they are actively involved in establishing a school that will serve as a safe haven for girls of color.
Despite attempts to seek input from Metro Nashville Public Schools regarding the data, WSMV4 has yet to receive a response.
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