The ONLY Black Male Educator in the District - S2 Ep3

For seven years, I taught in a school district where I was the only black male teacher of the district.  This was out of 2 elementary schools, one large middle school, and one high school.  The previous black male teachers retired the year before I joined the district and I stayed the only one for the next 7 years.  Though I was the only black male teacher, 45% of the school identified as black.  That district served close to 3,500 students.  

The next district I had the privilege of teaching at was a more affluent district where 97% of the students there were White and 2% of the student population was black.  This district served close to 4,000 students.  

In both cases I learned a lot about ME and what I believed.  I learned the importance of representation and how without it, many times, students did not feel like they had someone to relate to.  I learned that many of my black students looked up to me as a father, big brother, a uncle and they were excited to see my "face in the place".  I wore being the only with pride until I realized that I was the only!  

This podcast deals with the real lessons I learned in both districts and how much I grew into who I am today.  

I would love to hear from you.  Please feel free to reach out [email protected]