The presence of black men in schools represents more than the change we’ve been waiting for; it represents the change our communities are demanding. Each story we read provides inspiration that spurs more black children to become educators, doctors, community leaders, and beyond.
Black men make up only two percent of the country’s teaching force, but their presence in the classroom is shown to 1improve outcomes for students. A 2017 study by the Institute of Labor Economics found that low-income Black students who have a Black teacher—man or woman—for at least one year in elementary school are less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to consider college. Still, only seven percent of teachers nationwide are Black.
Extraordinary experiences!
Black male teachers can provide hope, inspiration, advice, compassionate listening and, sometimes, tough love to make a difference in their students’ lives.
It’s important for children to see black males in their lives, especially on a daily basis, who are in respectable positions of authority.
Many black men have found teaching gives them a sense of purpose and rewards their commitment to our youth—as well as providing intellectual stimulation.
