Adequate teacher preparation is critical when working with students of color in urban schools. High teacher turnover often results from a lack of teacher preparation when working with systemic racial concerns that impact students of color. Understanding how the Courageous Conversations About Race Framework can influence teachers to examine the influence of structural racism on their teaching practice can challenge their beliefs, interrogate Whiteness, and understand how systemic racism impacts the achievement of students of color. This qualitative phenomenological study examines the influence of Courageous Conversations about Race on teachers' beliefs and practices as they relate to students of color in urban school settings. Using a qualitative, phenomenological research study, two cohorts of urban K-12 schoolteachers participated in focus group discussions and one-on-one post-interviews. They shared their racial identities and experiences and explored how conversations about race can help to foster relationships and understanding. Findings reveal that educational leaders must prepare and support novice teachers who work in urban schools. In addition, the results of this study indicate that although conversations about race can be difficult, the participants are willing to engage in professional learning opportunities. The findings contribute to the need to build teacher capacity to improve achievement outcomes for all students and include several suggestions for future recommendations to practice and research opportunities. Educators must examine their beliefs, biases, and prejudices and the impact historical, structural, and systemic racism has on the ability to close the gap in racial academic achievement in public school systems. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]