
Michael Robinson, Ed.D.: Does the presence of male teachers, especially male teachers of color impact student success?
Ericka W. Ways, Ph.D.: The positive Black male presence has an important impact on students of color. I was very fortunate to teach at a school where many of the teachers were Black males. The principal, who was also a Black male, hired a large amount of quality Black male teachers who shared his vision. It was amazing to see how the student body (boys most importantly) reacted to that environment. In comparison to schools which lacked a significant amount of Black male educators, there was a major difference in the way students learned and conducted themselves. The students were vested in the vision of the school and conducted themselves accordingly. The overall teacher morale and functioning of the school were much better than I have ever experienced.
To ensure that Black male teachers and students become vested in the school and its vision, there must be a principal who can communicate their vision and purpose properly.
Ericka W. Ways, Ph.D.: The positive Black male presence has an important impact on students of color. I was very fortunate to teach at a school where many of the teachers were Black males. The principal, who was also a Black male, hired a large amount of quality Black male teachers who shared his vision. It was amazing to see how the student body (boys most importantly) reacted to that environment. In comparison to schools which lacked a significant amount of Black male educators, there was a major difference in the way students learned and conducted themselves. The students were vested in the vision of the school and conducted themselves accordingly. The overall teacher morale and functioning of the school were much better than I have ever experienced.
To ensure that Black male teachers and students become vested in the school and its vision, there must be a principal who can communicate their vision and purpose properly.