News

Young people are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. While the answers range, the fact remains that its difficult for young people to envision themselves in a career or professional field when they don’t someone who looks like them already in that position.

For example, young girls may respond that they want to be a teacher because a majority of their teachers are female. But young boys, especially black boys, may struggle to see themselves as a teacher. And there’s a reason for that.

MenTeach E-News
August 2019

1) Men in primary schools put up with unfair comments about their health, appearance and career progress, says this teacher.
2) Inequality in day-care centres: Male educators are more likely to work temporary
3) Letter: Invitation to Participate in a Study
4) Men’s Stories: Peter Tabichi - The 2019 Global Teacher Prize winner
5) Scholarships for Minority Males in California
6) Oh Boy! Strategies for Teaching Boys in Early Childhood
7) Do boys need more male teachers?

I’m a black male elementary teacher, and I’ve just finished my first year working for a black principal. It’s been incredible. I’m fortunate to have worked with school leaders of all races and genders. But perhaps because of his life experiences, my current principal has a certain mix of rare qualities that have created a powerfully positive working environment for me.

It hasn’t always been that way in my teaching career. I’ve felt sidelined, misunderstood, and disrespected at some of the other schools where I’ve taught. It’s just the opposite in my new job.