Black and Brown students make up a significant and growing majority in classrooms across the United States, yet the educator workforce does not reflect this diversity. Nationally, Black teachers comprise approximately 7% of the teacher workforce, with Black men representing less than 2%. This gap has meaningful implications for student incomes. Research shows that having at least one Black Teacher, particularly between grades three and five, can decrease dropout rates among Black male students by up to 30% and increase the likelihood that Black students aspire to higher education.
the context
Initiatives
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Real men read
Real Men Read empowers Black and Brown male middle, high school, and college students to inspire a love of literacy in Baltimore and Milwaukee’s youngest learners. Through this program, over 100 young men of color have read to over 1,000 pre-K through 1st-grade students in elementary schools and childcare centers, fostering connections and representation while promoting early reading skills.
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real men count
Real Men Count enlists Black and Brown male middle, high school, and college students into Baltimore and Milwaukee elementary schools and childcare centers to spark a passion for math in young learners. By engaging with these students, young men of color will serve as mentors and role models, encouraging early numeracy skills through math that promotes STEM, discovery, and fun.
