Articles
How to recruit black, male teachers and why it’s important

The teaching profession in America remains largely white and female. That means young African American males can go through school without ever seeing a teacher who looks like them. Not only can this mean a lack of black role models, but it also means teaching doesn’t get held up as a profession that’s desirable for […]
Read MoreBeing a male teacher was my dream – until I was falsely accused

My day started like any other. I got up early and had breakfast. My girlfriend, who is now my wife, drove me to work. It was a beautiful, sunny day at the daycare centre where I worked, and the children were running around outside burning off energy after weeks of terrible weather. Sunny days in […]
Read MoreBlack male teachers are vital

African-American boys make up a significant percentage of Detroit Public Schools Community District’s student enrollment but large numbers of them aren’t taught by black men. Does that fact deny them the opportunity to be academically successful? Not necessarily but a recent study suggests that when black men teach black boys the student has a greater […]
Read MoreThere’s a Stigma Around Men Teaching Young Kids. Here’s How We Change It

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I dressed in khaki pants and a polo shirt and prepared to attend my first day of orientation as a pre-K teacher of 3- and 4-year-olds. I walked through the school doors for the first time, taken aback by the miniature size of the furniture I saw […]
Read MoreWayne State University’s Morris Hood Scholars Program making inroads
By 2024 students of color are expected to make up 56 percent of the student population but when you look in front of the classroom the majority – 82 percent – of the teachers and principals are white. However, a program at Wayne State University is on a mission to change that picture. No matter […]
Read MoreBest of the Mess from Oct. 6, 1977 – First experience important to new kindergarten teacher
Gene Hanson was the new kindergarten teacher at Onamia Elementary, circa 1977. There’s a new kindergarten teacher at Onamia Elementary. His name is Gene Hanson, and he’s very enthused about his new job. Gene spent the last year teaching on the Mexican-Texas border. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Certificate […]
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