According to new federal data, poor black and Hispanic children are becoming more and more isolated from their white affluent peers in public schools. The data show that the number of high-poverty schools serving students of color has doubled in recent years. And since the 1990s, progress narrowing the achievement gap has plateaued nationwide and deteriorated markedly in urban schools. This article discusses how developing a full-fledged profession for educators based on high-expertise teaching is the missing link in education reform movements. The concept of high-expertise teaching must include cultural proficiency and antiracist teaching if education is to play the central role that is meant for it in democracy--to ensure a fair chance at a good life for every child.