Articles
Former basketball standout is different role model now, first black man to win state’s early education honor
For two years as a teaching assistant in a Pre-K classroom, Johnathon Hines learned about rituals and routines and how to keep a 4-year-old student’s attention long enough to impart a lesson. The job was supposed to be a way into the school system while Hines waited for a physical education position to come available. […]
Read MoreJohn Engel: Babysitter training: Where are the boys?
I recently attended a babysitter training class. The day-long course, offered by the American Red Cross – on a Saturday – met in an unassuming building located in an industrial park. Truthfully, my daughter Zoe, soon to be 12, attended the class. I sat in the lobby, at the unoccupied reception desk, working on my […]
Read MoreBowie State program looks to draw more black men to education careers
If you look inside many of America’s classrooms, you’ll notice someone is missing: black male teachers. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Education, only 2 percent of the country’s teaching workforce are black males. The phenomenon has not been lost on educators like Bowie State University professor Dr. Julius Davis. He […]
Read MoreEncouraging More Men to Teach Elementary Education
Stephen McKinney comes from a long line of educators and advocates in North Carolina. His mother and grandmother were elementary and middle school teachers, and his sister began her first year in the classroom last fall. His father was a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ equality in the state and still advocates for […]
Read MoreWhether Charter or Public, Schools Need More Black Male Teachers
Throughout my career as a Black male teacher, I’ve taught in district and charter schools. While many remain determined to highlight their differences, they’re one and the same when it comes to their failure to serve Black children and their inability to attract and retain quality teachers who look like them. Despite the fact that […]
Read MoreEditorial: Humble and Kind
Recently, I heard Tim McGraw’s new song, Humble and Kind. Typically I am skeptical of reading too much emphasis into the lyrics of songs but something about this song keeps tugging at my heartstrings. Take some time to listen to the song here. and feel free to read the lyrics here. According to the Urban Dictionary, the […]
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