(6) According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, racially and ethnically diverse teachers are more likely to work in high-need schools. Unfortunately, these schools often experience high teacher turnover rates, which can have a negative impact on students. (7) According to a report by Teach Plus and the Education Trust, teachers of color report that they have considered leaving the profession because they lack agency, autonomy in decision making, and opportunities for leadership. (8) Studies show that all students benefit from having racially and ethnically diverse teachers. These benefits are magnified for students of color, who experience improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, and increased interest in pursuing higher education. (9) Teachers of color are also underrepresented in schools, with only 20 percent of the teacher workforce identifying as people of color versus over 50 percent of public school students. (10) Studies show that there is a positive link between professional leadership opportunities, job satisfaction, and retention of classroom teachers, and that compensation for teachers’ added leadership responsibilities increases teacher retention. (11) In a Gates Foundation Survey, only 12 percent of all teachers surveyed reported receiving consistent job-embedded mentorship and professional development from veteran teachers, despite multiple studies showing that consistent mentorship improves student learning. (12) The New Teacher Project found that only 26 percent of high-performing teachers agreed that their school leadership identified opportunities or clear paths for teacher leadership roles. (13) According to a report by Teach Plus and the Education Trust, teachers’ investment in their schools and their likelihood of retention is greater where opportunities exist to innovate and advocate on behalf of students, especially when a teacher acts in partnership with school and district administration to address student and teacher needs. (14) Structured