The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) launched a new initiative to provide students the access to "great educators." The new program, known as the "Excellent Educators for All Initiative," is aimed to help states and school districts with a three-part system.

The first component of the initiative includes comprehensive educator equity plans. The DOE requested that states analyze information and consult academic professionals, from principals, parents and community organizations, to ensure "every student has effective educators." States have by April 2015 to submit the new plans.

As part of the second component, known as "Educator Equity Support Network," the DOE will invest $4.2 million for a new technical assistance network. The investment will help states and school districts develop and implement their comprehensive educator equity plans.

"All children are entitled to a high-quality education regardless of their race, zip code or family income. It is critically important that we provide teachers and principals the support they need to help students reach their full potential," said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

The final part of the initiative is to publish the Educator Equity profiles during the fall. With the profiles published, states can distinguish their faults and further improve access to quality education, particularly for low-income and minority students.

"Despite the excellent work and deep commitment of our nation's teachers and principals, systemic inequities exist that shortchange students in high-poverty, high-minority schools across our country," added Duncan. "We have to do better."

The DOE noted a family's race and income could "often" predict the quality and access to educators. The department stated the low-income students attending "high-need" schools are more likely to have teachers with less credentials and experience.

"Nationally, according to the Department's Civil Rights Data Collection, black and American Indian students are four times as likely as white students to be enrolled in a school with more than 20 [percent] first year teachers, and Latino students are three times as likely," the DOE added in a statement.

Although Duncan wants local education officials to develop their respective and "innovative" solutions, he does encourage collaboration in order to "enhance and invigorate" better recruitment, support and retain teachers and principals.

According to the Department of Education, the initiative is part of Pres. Obama's "Year of Action" effort, which includes My Brother's Keeper. With My Brother's Keeper, the Obama administration hopes to improve the educational and life outcomes of young men, particular of color.