Black men as teachers: Recruitment, retention, development, empowerment

Black men as teachers: Recruitment, retention, development, empowerment

Author: Ethical Schools June 3, 2021 Duration: 51:43

We speak with Dr. Daman Harris and Dr. Inger Swimpson of Building Our Network of Diversity, the BOND Project, in Montgomery County MD,  which provides spaces for Black and Latino men to support one another in their teaching and their lives. Although having Black teachers benefits Black and white children alike, U.S. schools have few Black teachers, and even fewer Black men. BOND works to make schools better places for boys of color, making it more likely that they’ll go into teaching, and better for Black men, so they’ll be more likely to stay in teaching. Networks and partnerships, especially with HBCUs, are crucial.

Overview

00:00-00:51 Intros

00:51-06:32 The BOND Project

06:32-08:19 BOND’s relationship with schools

08:19-13:09 How to make schools better for Black boys/young men

13:09-13:49 Untapped potential of men of colors as teachers

13:49-18:36 Recruiting teachers of color

18:36-24:01 Similarities/differences in challenges Black men and women face as teachers

24:01-26:19 Similarities/differences in Black and Latino men’s experiences as teachers

26:19-31:10 Distinction between equity and anti-racism

31:10-34:30 How BOND generates conversations about race in Montgomery County

34:30-36:36 Liberatory consciousness

36:36-42:35 Recognizing students’ strengths and teachers; successes even when test scores are low

42:35-46:04 Teachers with a deficit mindset can change

46:04-49:13 Impact on girls of Black men as teachers

49:13-51:45 Outro


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
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