This policy brief from The Hunt Institute examines the gap between student and teacher diversity in North Carolina and explores strategies for strengthening the diversity of the educator workforce. The report notes that, in 2019, more than half of North Carolina's students identified as people of color, while only 23% of teachers did. It summarizes research showing that a more diverse educator workforce is associated with positive outcomes for students of color, including lower rates of exclusionary discipline, stronger school connectedness, and improved academic achievement, while also benefiting all students by broadening perspectives and promoting high academic expectations. The report concludes with policy recommendations that include expanding teacher preparation pathways, increasing support for minority-serving educator preparation programs, improving educator workforce data and reporting, and strengthening systems for monitoring progress. The report emphasizes that increasing educator diversity requires sustained, coordinated efforts across educator preparation, school systems, and state policy.