mentors can help more black men become teachers

Captured by: Photographer, Jasmine Alston

A recent report highlights the role mentors can play in attracting men to teaching and supporting them in the profession, with particular attention to the barriers Black men face.

The report draws on a survey of 145 male teachers conducted by the Male Educator Network & Policy Institute, the American Institute for Boys and Men, and the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center. It points to mentorship and practical support as important parts of building a stronger teacher pipeline.

The approaches discussed include school-based teaching academies, apprenticeships and programs that give high school students opportunities to teach younger learners. These pathways can introduce students to teaching early and help aspiring educators gain experience before entering their own classrooms.

For Black men considering the profession, early exposure is only part of the picture. Support from mentors and colleagues can also help new teachers navigate the first years of teaching and build a lasting career.

The report offers a useful perspective for schools, universities and community organizations working to recruit and retain a more diverse educator workforce.

Read the full story: The 74 (https://www.the74million.org/article/male-teachers-say-mentors-got-them-there-for-black-men-the-need-even-greater/)⁠