Diversity in schools across New York state could be boosted under a package of measures approved Monday by the Democratic-led state Senate. 

The measures include bills that would create a task force to study the effect of underrepresentation in teaching and find solutions, create recruitment programs and retain minority and bilingual educators and create statewide conventions for underrepresented educators to meet and develop plans. 

“Educators are often some of the first role models we have, and are influential in helping young people shape their hopes and dreams. But that can only happen if we can see ourselves in our teachers,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “Having representation from an early age vastly improves learning outcomes, closes educational gaps, and shows students that anything is possible. Balancing the diversity of our teachers is a crucial step in furthering New York’s educational reforms and helps keep our learning institutions as inclusive as possible. I thank the bill sponsors and committee chairs for their commitment to this issue and advancing this critical legislation.”

The bills approved by the Senate on Monday include a measure meant to strengthen a commission to study the slave trade in New York. 

Lawmakers want school districts to create their programs to attract underrepresented teaching candidates in New York schools. A task force for educator diversity would be created under a separate bill. A teachers of tomorrow program to help find and retain teachers from underrepresented groups would be created to help expand demographics in the teaching ranks in the state's schools. 

“The legislation passed today will make our schools stronger and more representative of New York," said Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Shelley Mayer. "Diverse perspectives and increased representation amongst our educators will benefit all our students by broadening perspectives and experience for every student. I am proud to join my colleagues in passing this expansive package that will be so beneficial to schools, educators and students throughout our state."