African American Male Teachers

QUESTION:

What is the Value of African American Male Teachers in the Classroom?


Dr. Chance Lewis
Associate Professor
Urban Education
College of Education
Texas A&M University

Having an African American male in the classroom breaks the stereotype that classroom teaching is only for females. It presents an image that African American males and males in general are able to be classroom teachers. This is important because many students really aspire to be like those they see. So, they [students] may never see an African American male in the classroom and these results in a ripple effect of students’ aspirations to become a teacher. I am pushing through my research to have more African American male quality teachers in the classroom, as a means to present a strong image for all students, particularly African American males. This is very important for students. It really breaks the stereotype that teaching is only for females