That startling statistic, advocates say, is why programs offering different pathways to certification are important.
“Minority males face a lot of barriers in their K-12 experience,” said Eric Stallings, who works with Men of CHS Teach to recruit and support teachers. Men of CHS Teach, which prioritizes men of color, is a partnership between the University of South Carolina and the Charleston County School District.
“They may go into business or marketing, but something always tugs at your heart and you say, ‘I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I just don’t know,’” he said. “Us creating pathways for that to happen has allowed some of them to come back as educators and truly make a difference. I think that speaks a lot about alternative certification.
“If you try to pursue and reform education without having a deep understanding of the racism that exists to create these disparities, you’re never going to achieve what you purport you want to achieve,” he said.The center also provides training and mentorship programs for high school and college students, professional development for everyone from college professors to administrators, and consultation services for school districts across the country looking to retain Black teachers.
While some groups focus on getting more Black teachers into classrooms, others focus on the cultural inclusivity that they believe is necessary for tearing down implicit bias in schools — whether in the classroom or the administration offices. Thein Oakland, California, works with Black teachers to “reimagine schools as communities of liberated learning,” the Project’s website reads.
Just as long as they are qualified. Quality over quantity.
Isn't this a call for segregated schools?
With 6 out of 10 college students being women it seems more focus should be directed at men. But I guess that wouldn't be 'equality.'
Shoot for the stars! Middle school! Keep reporting fucking nonsense.