Black Teachers Share Their Stories
Though public schools are becoming increasingly diverse, Black teachers remain underrepresented in U.S. schools. In their own words, three Black educators reflect on their successes—and their challenges.
September 25, 2020
To learn more about the research shown in this video:
- In 2017–2018, nearly 80% of public school teachers were White; 7% were Black. (Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2020; U.S. Census, 2019)
- Students who feel they belong are more likely to be motivated, self-confident, and academically successful. (Source: Korpershoek et al., 2019)
- In public schools nationally, more than half of all students are non-White. (Source: NCES, 2020)
- Black teachers are more likely to report feeling discriminated against and disrespected in their schools, and cite these as reasons to leave the profession. (Sources: The Education Trust, 2016; Learning Policy Institute, 2018)
- Black men are particularly underrepresented in the teaching profession, making up less than 2% of U.S. teachers. (Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, 2016)
- A 2018 study found that Black students who had a single Black teacher were 13% more likely to enroll in college. (Source: Gershenson et al., 2018)