Educator preparation programs have a responsibility to prepare professionals to meet P-12 learner needs. Research and changing demographics provide evidence and rationale of the importance to increase the number of educators of color and to prepare all educators to be racially conscious. Educator preparation programs, in tandem with P-12 school districts, need to make systemic changes in approaches, practices and policies in order to adequately prepare individuals for the profession. The author contends that without these systematic changes, workforce needs and, more importantly, P-12 student learner needs, will not be met. The article shares research about diversifying teacher education programs and shares a college's educational planning efforts toward reaching its vision, to inspire lifelong learning and professional engagement through racial consciousness, social justice, and inclusion within a global context, to diversify the workforce and prepare racially conscious educators.