Educators and students came together at Mercy College Monday to discuss how to better invest in public school students, especially in communities of color.

Participants say the meeting was about listening to one another and having an open dialogue on what is working in the city’s public school system, as well as what needs to be improved upon.

Many students at the event say good teachers understand their students’ culture. They say that teachers have to understand the struggles in their community and their life experiences.

Students say teacher must also be given support by the state and local officials, and the tools to help them teach.

Officials say the discussion will be one of many to come leading up to the opening of schools in the fall.