He Is Me Institute,

Black male teachers have shown to have the greatest impact on student achievement. But, they make up only 1.3% of the profession. To shift this, we need an earlier start and longer support. We see today’s Black male students as tomorrow’s Black male teachers. Our goal is for young Black males to discover teaching, then support them at every point on their path to and through the profession. We do this through direct programming and key partnerships. This is The Black Male Teacher Initiative. PreK- High School: In our I AM KING Program (IAK), we train and mentor Black male high school students to deliver social-emotional learning content to younger boys of color. College: Black male college students join our Fellowship in the summer, where they receive instructional support to teach middle school students. Fellows engage in Black male affinity groups during their experience. In the following school year, they have access to additional professional development and networking opportunities, including taking our Introduction to Education, Equity, and Identity course, taught online and accredited by the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is Me pays for the course! Career: The Black Male Teacher Network is a virtual space for Black male teachers to connect, build community, and engage in identity-based professional development opportunities. Teachers are trained to facilitate affinity groups for their peers, college students, and high school students in our programs. Field-Building: The Building Black Male Teacher Pathways Summit convenes leaders in the education sector to reflect on their initiatives to inspire and support Black male teachers through collaboration. Our lifelong focus provides a clear pathway for Black males to become and remain teachers. As a result of our programs and partnerships, schools will recruit, retain, and retire more Black male teachers.