Diversity is inherently valuable. Research shows that diversity in schools, including racial diversity among teachers, can provide significant benefits to students. While students of color are expected to make up 56 percent of the student population by 2024, the elementary and secondary educator workforce is still overwhelmingly white. The most recent U.S. Department of Education Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), a nationally representative survey of teachers and principals, showed that 82 percent of public school teachers identified as white. Improving teacher diversity can help all students. Teachers of color are positive role models for all students in breaking down negative stereotypes and preparing students to live and work in a multiracial society. A more diverse teacher workforce can also supplement training in the culturally sensitive teaching practices most effective with today's student populations. The purpose of this report is to provide a current snapshot of the racial diversity of educators in our nation's elementary and secondary public schools. While not comprehensive, the report reviews trends in the diversity of students, teachers, and education leaders; it examines the teacher pipeline from enrollment in postsecondary education, hiring, and teacher retention. This examination spotlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as participation in alternative certification programs. The report also includes statistics on postsecondary completion, placement, and retention of new teachers of color in the workforce. While the focus of this report is on racial diversity, the Department acknowledges that other forms of diversity such as socioeconomic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, religion, and multilingualism are also important and should be examined. Finally, the report provides examples of places that are working to address the diversity issue in a variety of ways; other communities may find these efforts instructive. The report also includes endnotes.