Social network theory believes that influence comes from one’s social relationships and ties within network of people. Actions and behaviors are influenced through the structure and communication within an individual’s social network. If college recruiters and marketers aren’t in the social networks of the students they want, it’s unlikely students will come to the university because of the recruitment. The easiest and fastest way to recruit teachers of color is to find recruiters who are in their networks.
More and more admissions offices are using social media as tools. However, you can’t fake being a member of a community even if it’s virtual. Finding teachers of color will require hiring recruiters of color who authentically can navigate the social milieu. This is especially true for high achieving black and brown students.
Are collegiate teacher education programs recruiting teachers of color? Technically, many are. However, the demographics of the graduates reflect those with whom teacher colleges are networked. The demographics of the admissions teams also reflect those whom they’re built to recruit.
Andre Perry, founding dean of urban education at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Mich., is the author of The Garden Path: The Miseducation of a City (2011).