Back to School

It's almost that time of year. The time of year where kids (and especially parents) begin to anticipate the arrival of the new school year. The dog days of summer are approaching an end and the excitement of new classes and old friends is abound. New school years are about new beginnings. Teachers look for new ways to make their classes relevant to their students. Students are eagerly awaiting a new year that brings the promises of new adventures.

However, with the new year there are sometimes old issues that invariably creep up. One such issue that comes to mind is the achievement gap between Blacks and other racial groups. One of the things I think can help make a dent in the achievement gap is the presence of good Black male teachers. This is by no means an indictment on White, women, or any other teachers; I feel that seeing more Black men as teachers can have a very positive effect on students. Over seventy percent of teachers in the united States are White women. I believe it is important for students to be exposed to and see teachers with whom they can identify with, racially speaking. What kind of impact will it have on a young Black boy to have a second grade teacher who is a Black male? I personally had a very strong, positive Black male role model in my home, my dad. However, for black boys who do not have that kind of figure in their household, what would it mean if they saw this figure at school, particularly at a young age?

Most Black kids don't even see a Black male teacher in a core subject until they get to 8th grade or high school. By this time, their ideals about education and how it pertains to them may be negative. Seeing a Black male who shows an affinity for education early on can be a huge motivator for these kids.

We are often times ignorant of the impact we can have in other people's lives. I would love to see more Black men become professional educators in the earlier grades. you never know who may be watching!