Lifelong Impact: Building the Future with Black Educators
Why do Black teachers matter? The answer isn’t just about representation—it’s about transformation. On Thursday morning, the plenary session “Lifelong Impact: Recruiting, Training, and Retaining Black Educators for the Future”promises to be an unmissable deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the next generation of educators.
Despite Black students making up 15% of the U.S. student population, only 7% of public school teachers are Black—and Black male educators represent less than 2% of the workforce. These gaps in representation affect the quality and equity of education nationwide. But what if there were proven ways to close those gaps?
Actionable Solutions to a Persistent Problem
This session will bring together two leading voices in education—Dr. Rashad Anderson and Sharif El-Mekki—to spotlight groundbreaking programs designed to recruit, train, and retain Black educators. Through their stories and insights, attendees will explore innovative approaches that are reshaping the educational landscape.
Dr. Anderson, director of the Call Me MiSTER program, has dedicated his career to supporting and mentoring Black male educators. His work not only addresses the immediate need for more Black teachers but also tackles systemic inequities in school discipline and social justice.
Sharif El-Mekki, founder of the Center for Black Educator Development, has pioneered efforts to rebuild the Black teacher pipeline. A former principal turned national leader, El-Mekki’s mission is to foster education as a pathway to empowerment and justice.
Why this Conversation Matters
Black educators bring lived experiences and cultural insights that enrich classrooms, improve outcomes, and inspire students. Research shows that having even one Black teacher in elementary school significantly improves the likelihood of Black students graduating and pursuing higher education. Yet systemic barriers often prevent these teachers from entering or staying in the field.
This plenary session goes beyond highlighting the problem—it offers a roadmap for change. You’ll learn about programs like Call Me MiSTER and the Center for Black Educator Development that are driving measurable success in teacher recruitment and retention.
What You’ll Gain
- Strategies to Strengthen the Pipeline: Explore evidence-based models from K–12 to higher education.
- Real Stories, Real Solutions: Hear from leaders who are actively shaping policy and practice.
- Inspiration to Act: Leave equipped with ideas to advocate for diversity in education in your community.
A Call to Action
This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a movement. Join us to be part of the solution. Learn how you can help cultivate a stronger, more equitable future in education.
Event Details
- When: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
- What: “Lifelong Impact: Recruiting, Training, and Retaining Black Educators for the Future”
- Where: Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles
With inspiring leaders like Dr. Rashad Anderson and Sharif El-Mekki at the helm, this session promises to be a powerful hour of insight and action. Let’s transform the future of education together.