A recent study reveals that the presence of Black teachers in Brazilian schools significantly improves the academic and professional success of Black students, reducing racial inequalities. The research, conducted by Pedro Lopes, analyzed data from millions of students between 2012 and 2023.
A study published in January 2026 by economist Pedro Lopes, PhD from the São Paulo School of Economics at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (EESP-FGV), demonstrates the benefits of racial diversity in Brazil's teaching staff. The research used databases such as the School Census, the Basic Education Assessment System (Saeb), and the National High School Exam (Enem) to track two groups of about one million students each over 12 years, from basic education to the job market.
The findings show that raising the proportion of Black teachers from 0% to 50% increases high school completion chances by 1.9%, university entry by 3.9%, degree completion by age 25 by 5.2%, and professional earnings by 2.3%. These gains do not affect white students' performance and are more pronounced among those with initial poor performance, who often drop out.
Lopes explains that these percentages represent a 30% reduction in educational racial inequality and 60% in wage disparity. "The results illustrate that Black teachers already play a key role in reducing inequalities and that there is potential when the teaching staff's racial composition mirrors the population," states the author.
2024 School Census data indicate that 56.8% of students identify as Black, compared to 44.4% of teachers. Experts like psychologist Cida Bento highlight that Black teachers foster belonging and self-esteem in students. "This creates a sense of belonging to the school," she says.
Economist Michael França, a Folha columnist, views the study as a path to bridge racial gaps. Rector José Vicente of Universidade Zumbi dos Palmares shares personal experiences of relief and motivation from seeing Black teachers. Policies like quotas and anti-racist education are suggested to amplify these effects.
