What systemic barriers must be broken in teacher education and professional development to enhance diversity and inclusion?

TAREK EL BABA, MAKASSED UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT, LEBANON AND DAR AL FIKR SCHOOLS, SAUDI ARABIA This perspective piece examines systemic barriers to diversity and equity in teacher education and professional development, focusing on the lived experiences of underrepresented educators. Drawing on foundational theories and recent international research, it analyses the effects of unconscious bias, policy constraints and inequitable access to mentorship on recruitment, retention and career progression. The discussion highlights promising practices – including inclusive leadership, targeted mentoring and alternative entry routes – and makes policy-oriented recommendations for systemic reform. The argument centres on the need for teacher preparation and ongoing professional learning systems in order to embed equity as a core principle, creating sustainable pathways for a representative and resilient educator workforce. Introduction: Why equity in teacher education matters now Efforts to