Gen Z Black & Latino Educators Study Reveals Critical Insights for LAUSD
GPSN, in partnership with Diversity in Leadership Institute, released a groundbreaking study on Gen Z Black and Latino educators in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). For the purpose of this study, Gen Z is defined as any individual 30 years old or younger. This group of young teachers is in the best position to experience existing policies and strategies for recruitment. They can also provide valuable insights into the policies and strategies that would increase their retention as teachers. We are specifically focusing on Black and Latino teachers because they are often discussed, but rarely directly engaged in policy development and implementation. This study includes LAUSD teachers and independent charter school teachers.
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Key Findings
Key findings do our best to elevate and amplify their perspectives, understanding that no group is monolithic or homogenous in their values, experiences or beliefs.
- Passion and Purpose
Gen Z Black and Latino educators are driven by a strong desire to share their love of learning and make a difference in students’ lives. They are, however, less satisfied with their careers than the general LAUSD educator population.
- Retention Concerns
1 in 3 Gen Z Black and Latino educators anticipate leaving the profession, with 71% of those expecting to leave within 1-2 years.
- Work-Life Balance
Better work-life balance and more affordable healthcare options are identified as the most important factors for retaining these educators.
- Student Behavior
Over half of Gen Z Black and Latino educators report experiencing behavioral issues in the classroom that impact their ability to teach effectively.
- Professional Development
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the top choice for additional professional development among these educators.
Methodology
The study employed a mixed-methods approach conducted in two phases. Phase 1, the qualitative phase, consisted of four online 90-minute focus groups, each with 6 Gen Z Black and Latino LAUSD educators, held from November 13 to 16, 2023. Findings from these focus groups informed the survey design for Phase 2, the quantitative phase.
In Phase 2, online and telephone surveys were conducted with 400 LAUSD educators between January 31 and February 22, 2024. The sample included 200 Gen Z Black and Latino LAUSD educators as the primary audience, and 200 educators representing a general sample of LAUSD educators as a secondary audience. The margin of error for the quantitative phase is ±6.9% at a 95% confidence level.
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