Unfortunately, Black male educators frequently encounter misconceptions in school settings. The Black male, as a disciplinarian, is an issue that has to be addressed in public schools with the understanding that these same men can also be supportive and caring. According to Dr. Ramon Goings, Program Coordinator at Sherman STEM Teacher Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, “In conversations about the importance of Black male educators, the argument is often made that Black males should be in the classroom for their ability to be disciplinarians. However, we must move away from that deficit perspective as Black male educators have the ability to effectively teach all students.” Dr. Goings’ comment highlights how societal views have only clouded the Black male experience in school settings.
Frequently, discussions relating to recruiting Black male educators focus on Pre K-12 schools. However, there are few fulltime professors at post-secondary institutions throughout the United States. I have friends who have never had a Black male teacher/professor in their elementary through college academic experiences. Hiring and supporting (financially, socially) Black male faculty members is important because they challenge misconceptions. According to Dr. Robert Palmer, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University, “Black male faculty members are critical because they serve as role models to African Americans and other men of color who may have lacked access to such individuals.” Palmer continues, “they are also important because they help to dispel the stereotype of Black men being anti-intellectual that the dominate society has created about Black males.” He believes that countering societal perceptions of Black men can only be accomplished by funding policies and programs that support efforts to recruit and retain male educators.
Increasing the percentage of Black male educators in elementary through college settings should include a dramatic increase in funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). More than half of the Black teachers who work in public schools today earned their degree from an HBCU and so they play an important role helping Black students graduate with bachelors, masters and graduate degrees in highly coveted areas including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). While there is a dire need for more Black men in classrooms, Black women have always played a pivotal role teaching, mentoring and collectively shaping the lives of students from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, it’s important that advocates, and federal, state and local policymakers work together to ensure students have teachers that can relate to their personal and cultural experiences.
Dr. Larry J. Walker is an educational consultant and mental health advocate. His research examines the impact environmental factors have on the socio-emoitional functioning of minority and underserved communities. Follow him on Twitter @LarryJWalker2.
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