A parents' rights group is slamming a new initiative designed to "boost teacher diversity" in a Maryland school district.
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), in partnership with Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, announced the creation of the "Growing Our Own" scholarship program last month. Under the program, BCPS will seek to recruit and retain "BIPOC [Black, indigenous, people of color]" teachers and female educators specializing in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The $1 million program was launched in response to the "major teacher shortage" BCPS is currently experiencing, according to a notice obtained by Parents Defending Education (PDE) and shared exclusively with Crisis in the Classroom (CITC). The scholarships are designed to assist recipients with the cost of tuition, books and other fees as they complete their education.
“Every child deserves to grow up with role models and mentors who look like them,” Olszewski said in a press release. “Diversity is our strength in Baltimore County and the new recruitment scholarship will support students from across the county and make our school system stronger and more vibrant.”
However, PDE investigative fellow Alex Nester argues the practice is "overtly discriminatory," claiming BCPS is prioritizing "race and gender politics" over students' education.
"Any time that you're prioritizing any other quality other than just the best and brightest teachers, then you might be looking past teachers that are really good fits for the district, but because they aren't a certain race or a certain, then they're being passed over," Nester told CITC. "And that's wrong."
Nester claims practices like the "Growing Our Own" program frequently harm "the very families that often need these types of opportunities the most."
"If you want future teachers that come from a diverse array of backgrounds, then you need to help today's students meet proficiency levels in math and reading," she told CITC.
A spokesperson for BCPS told CITC the district is "pleased" with the scholarship program, noting it "will enhance the teacher pipeline" across the district.
"As Superintendent Dr. Rogers shared, the research is clear on the importance of having a diverse teacher workforce and we look forward to seeing the impact this program will have on the system for years to come," the spokesperson told CITC.
A press release on the program states 40.4% of BCPS students are Black, while 32.8% are White. In comparison, 55.2% of teachers in the district are White, compared to 34.9% Black.
CITC reached out to Olszewski's office for comment on PDE's claims, but did not immediately receive a response. This story will be updated if a response is received.
Have something for the Crisis in the Classroom team to investigate? Call or text the national tip line at 202-417-7273.