Miniseries: The Case for More Black Teachers
The U.S. is experiencing a teacher shortage, particularly in urban and low-income schools where Black and other marginalized students are often concentrated. Increasing the number of Black teachers can help address these shortages while also ensuring that students have access to educators who understand their experiences and needs and serve as role models. Building a robust Black teacher pipeline is not just about increasing diversity; it's about transforming the educational landscape to be more inclusive, equitable, and effective for all students.
Schools with more diverse teaching staff tend to have more inclusive curricula and teaching practices. This helps counteract systemic biases and promotes a more equitable learning environment for all students. A diverse teaching force can help dismantle stereotypes and biases, both within the classroom and in broader school policies and practices.
Studies consistently show that Black students perform better academically when they have Black teachers in the classroom. Despite this, a report from the National Center for Educational Statistics reveals that only 7% of American public school teachers are Black. As a consequence, 40% of schools across the country lack any teachers of color. Most Black students will complete their entire K–12 education without encountering a single Black teacher. This absence has profound implications, especially considering a significant finding that White teachers are less likely to expect Black high school students under their care to graduate.
Studies indicate that Black students with one Black teacher in K–3 are 13% more likely to graduate from high school and 19% more likely to go to college. Black boys from low-income household who have two Black teachers in grades 3–5 are nearly 40% more likely to graduate from high school and 30% more likely to attend college. Exposure to a Black teacher in elementary school reduced high school dropout rates for Black students overall by 39%. The national data is significant. Building a robust Black teacher pipeline is not just about increasing diversity; it's about transforming the educational landscape to be more inclusive, equitable, and effective for all students.
Responding to the disparities, there are organizations poised to create positive change. One of these organizations is the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) in Philadelphia. The center is actively addressing the critical need to recruit, prepare, and retain Black teachers. Launched in 2019, the CBED utilizes data and well-documented research to drive its mission to achieve educational equity and racial justice by rebuilding the national Black teacher pipeline.
Multiple programs are offered, such as the year-round high school Teaching Academy course for Black students interested in teaching; the Black teacher pipeline Fellowship; and the Freedom Schools Literacy Academy, a four-week summer intensive program for college and high school students. To gain a deeper understanding of the center’s programs and to explore available resources follow this link to the Center for Black Educator Development.