DO SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS ACTUALLY WANT BLACK MALE TEACHERS? IT SURE DOESN’T SEEM LIKE IT.
When it comes to Black male teachers, the question shouldn’t be, “Do we need to hire more?” We know Black teachers, both men and women, are vital; they are particularly critical to the education of Black and Brown children. They also enhance the education experiences of White children. The question shouldn’t be, “Are there any Black male teachers out there to hire?”
It is true that Black male teachers only make up 2 percent of the teaching population. According to an analysis by Howard University’s Ivory A. Toldson, however, the job of primary school teacher is actually the first choice of profession among college-educated Black men.
The question that we need to ask is this: “Are Black male teachers actually wanted?” And if not: “Why don’t more districts want Black male teachers?” The answer to those questions will help those serious about increasing the number of Black male teachers.
A few years ago, University of Pennsylvania professor Marybeth Gasman argued that universities fail to hire Black professors because they simply didn’t want them. She said:
I have learned that faculty will bend rules, knock down walls, and build bridges to hire those they really want (often white colleagues), but when it CONTINUE READING:Do Schools and Districts Actually Want Black Male Teachers? It Sure Doesn't Seem Like It. - Philly's 7th Ward
