The Importance of a Black Male Teacher

To begin, growing up I never seen an African American male teacher until I transferred schools in 2006. It was a new feeling, and quite different seeing a teacher of my own skin complexion conducting instruction inside a classroom. Having a black male teacher gave me some one successful and accomplished to look up to. I learned many new things just by watching how my teachers carried their selves whether giving instruction in the classroom, or out and about in the public. The black male teachers at my school often talked to African American male students about how to act and dress at school or in the public. These guys actually created a relationship with several of the students around the community. As I grew older and graduation was approaching one of the African American teachers had a conversation with me about what are my decisions after high school. I really appreciated the time that he took out to talk with me about my future, because neither of my parents are college graduates and knew nothing about applying to college. I believe having great black male teachers around in my life had a huge impact on why I want to become a teacher today.

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2013/04/black_male_teacher_shortage_debunking_the_myth.html