This policy brief, published by the National Council on Teacher Quality, provides an overview of state and national data trends of teacher diversity and recommends ways in which state policymakers and teacher preparation programs can improve the recruitment and retention of teachers from diverse backgrounds. It provides context on the central role of educator preparation programs (EPPs) in shaping the racial diversity of the teaching workforce, given that the majority of new teachers complete EPPs. Additionally, the brief provides an analysis of current trends in state and national data showing that racial diversity among teachers is making slow progress. The brief offers recommendations for expanding the diversity of the teacher workforce, including strengthening recruitment through early exposure, supporting preservice teacher candidates in the licensure process, and improving hiring and early induction.