Black Male Educators in American Classrooms: Recruitment, Retention and K-12 Impact

Recruiting more teachers of color, especially Black men, is a challenge. Recruitment alone is not sufficient to increase the presence of Black males in American classrooms, which is currently less than two percent. Black Male Educators in American Classrooms explores the unique challenges and valuable perspectives Black males bring to the school setting and explores how to better understand, incentivize, and effectively utilize Black males in America’s classrooms and the widespread impact this can have in K-12 education, in the community, and throughout society.  Documenting the results of a multi-year study carried out by the Editors, chapters delve into the mental, emotional, and intellectual development of Black male educators and those they connect with throughout the school community, why they leave or remain in K-12 education, and what they see as the role of school leaders in helping them achieve their purpose as contributing, respected, and valued educational leaders. The personal narratives of Black male educators include their recommendations to improve strategies to support them in classrooms and throughout society. Readers will experience first-hand how being a black male educator impacted their lives, their students and their communities. Not only are stereotypes dissolved through the research and personal narratives of Black male educators, but the proposed initiatives also suggest and offer strategies for continuing growth of Black male educators within the classroom, as academic leaders, role models, and other levels of engagement.