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Summary

For this episode, I am in conversation with fellows, Chris Hosey and Kaiyre Lewis, and Executive Director, Markus Flynn of the Minnesota-based organization, Black Men Teach, to explore the significance of Black male teachers in education, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and the support provided by the organization. My guests also share personal stories about their journeys into teaching, the importance of representation, and their beliefs about education as a means of liberation. They emphasize the need for supportive conditions that allow Black male teachers to thrive and the impact they have on their students and communities. Additionally, my guests discuss the transformative impact of Black Men Teach, emphasizing the importance of community support, addressing generational trauma, and defining what it means for Black male educators to thrive. They highlight the need for instructional coaching and support in educational environments, the challenges faced by Black male teachers, and the future vision for expanding the program's reach and impact.

Takeaways

• Black male teachers play a crucial role in education.
• Representation matters for both students and teachers.
• Education should be viewed as a liberating force.
• Supportive networks are essential for teacher retention.
• Joy and passion in teaching can transform classrooms.
• Black Men Teach provides mentorship and community support.
• Personal experiences shape teaching philosophies.
• Building relationships with students is key to success.
• The journey to becoming a teacher can be challenging but rewarding.
• Creating conditions for Black male teachers to thrive is vital.
• There's a strong sense of community and support within Black Men Teach.
• The program offers significant benefits, including financial support for education and home ownership.
• Generational trauma affects the comfort and safety of Black and Brown students in educational settings.
• Black male educators often face higher expectations and less support compared to their peers.
• Defining 'thriving' for Black male educators involves support in health, wellness, and belonging.
• Instructional coaching is essential for all teachers, and it should not be seen as a sign of failure.
• The retention of Black male educators is critical to addressing educational disparities.
• Black Men Teach aims to create a supportive environment for Black male educators.
• The future vision includes expanding the program to have a nationwide impact.

Sound Bites

"I love working in education."

"Education is liberation."

"This is a pipeline for Black male teachers."

"This is not a job to me."

"I enjoy doing this."

"I want to give all my kids the tools they need."

"I belong here."

"We need more Black male teachers."

"Failure with them is not an option."

"Receiving instructional coaching doesn't make you a failure."

"We need Black Men Teach everywhere."

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