Articles
Two Black Educators Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
For Chike Akua and L. Kobie Wilkerson, the Black male graduation rate in America is absolutely unacceptable. Several months ago The Schott Foundation released its report finding that the national graduation rate for Black males was a lowly 47%, nationally. “It’s unacceptable, given what we know about what it takes for our children to achieve […]
Read MoreMale teachers ‘boost self esteem’
Pupils make more effort in the classroom if they have a male teacher, research suggests. Male teachers are more likely to boost self esteem and are seen as fair, while at the same time are no more lenient on students, according to a study published by the Department for Education (DoE). Researchers at the London […]
Read MoreTeacher Martin Martinez ‘humbled’ by $25,000 Milken Educator Award
Martin Martinez woke up Wednesday morning and went to his job as a third-grade teacher at Gresham’s Hogan Cedars Elementary School as usual. He knew an assembly would be held at 9 a.m. but knew little beyond that. He especially had no idea he was about to get a $25,000 award for his dedication and […]
Read More‘The Pied Piper’ of kindergarten
Eric Ord stands out at his workplace. For one thing, he wears red tennis shoes and a matching red tie. And he towers over everyone else in the room. Of course, everyone else is 5 years old. For the past 17 years, Ord has taught kindergarten at Whited Elementary School in Santa Rosa, where colleagues […]
Read MoreAre There Enough Male Teachers in Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18.8 percent of elementary and middle school teachers are male. In pre-kindergarten and kindergarten the number of male teachers is just 2.4 percent. According to the National Education Association the sector could become even more female dominated, because fewer and fewer men are entering the profession. […]
Read MoreTeachers walk fine line in interacting with kids
A veteran elementary school teacher, Louis Watson has mastered the “side hug” and the high five. The moves help him dodge the bear hugs his young students initiate. “Being a male teacher, you never hug a kid from the front area,” said Watson, 63. It’s a lesson Watson has learned over time as teachers face […]
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