Darry Powell-Young, PhD, MA, MPP, MPA’s Post

"The Education Pandemic: Chronicles of a Black Teacher in America", comprises more than seventy articles and reflections exploring education, systemic challenges therein, teaching methodologies, and the complexities of navigating various identities as a Black Woman in the educational realm, all while highlighting the shared humanity within us. "This book represents a heartfelt expression of self-love, an amplification of self-worth, and appreciation for all things, both positive and negative, in this unpredictable journey in education." - Preface to The Education Pandemic: Chronicles of a Black Teacher in America. Who needs to read this? Teachers (no matter the stage of their career), parents, administrators, counselors, paraprofessionals, therapists, policy makers, virtually all stakeholders or anyone with a vested interest in education. https://lnkd.in/g_VVDtua

"The Education Pandemic: Chronicles of a Black Teacher in America", comprises more than seventy articles and reflections exploring education, systemic challenges therein, teaching methodologies, and the complexities of navigating various identities as a Black Woman in the educational realm, all while highlighting the shared humanity within us. "This book represents a heartfelt expression of self-love, an amplification of self-worth, and appreciation for all things, both positive and negative, in this unpredictable journey in education." - Preface to The Education Pandemic: Chronicles of a Black Teacher in America. Who needs to read this? Teachers (no matter the stage of their career), parents, administrators, counselors, paraprofessionals, therapists, policy makers, virtually all stakeholders or anyone with a vested interest in education. https://lnkd.in/g_VVDtua

📢 Embracing the Essential Role of Black Teachers in Education 📚✊ In the quest for inclusive and equitable education, let's take a moment to recognize the indispensable contributions of Black teachers. Their impact reaches far beyond the confines of the classroom, shaping minds, inspiring futures, and fostering cultural pride. Here's why #BlackTeachersMatter: 🔍 **Representation Matters**: Black educators serve as vital role models for Black students, demonstrating that success knows no racial bounds and empowering future generations to reach for the stars. 🌍 **Cultural Understanding**: By bringing a unique perspective and cultural sensitivity to the table, Black teachers create safe spaces for dialogue and expression, fostering connections that transcend textbooks. 🚫 **Combatting Stereotypes**: Black teachers challenge stereotypes and biases head-on, defying negative expectations and showcasing their brilliance, professionalism, and passion for education. 🤝 **Building Bridges**: Beyond their impact on Black students, Black teachers promote understanding and empathy across diverse communities, enriching educational experiences for all. ⚖️ **Advocates for Equity**: Black teachers are tireless advocates for educational equity, fighting to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all students. Let's celebrate and amplify the voices of Black teachers, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for education. Together, let's champion #BlackTeachersMatter and the transformative power they bring to our schools and society. 🎓🌟

Although the teaching profession has long been a cornerstone of societal progress, Black men remain vastly underrepresented, especially in K-12 education. Despite their immense potential to inspire, lead, and offer unique perspectives, many Black males either choose not to enter the field or leave at alarming rates. In this thought-provoking book, we explore the systemic, cultural, personal, and professional barriers that contribute to the exclusion of Black men from education. By delving into the challenges they face—from structural obstacles to daily realities—we gain crucial insights into how we can create an environment that not only attracts but also supports and retains Black men in the classroom. "Unseen Voices" aims to ignite a broader conversation about the urgent need for diverse educators who can enrich the educational experience for all students. Join the conversation and help shape the future of education! #BlackMenInEducation #DiversityInTeaching #EducationReform #TeachingProfession #UnseenVoices #BookRelease #SupportBlackEducators

In celebration and reflection of #BlackHistoryMonth, we're highlighting Mercy Denedo, Associate Professor of Accounting, and her powerful Times Higher Education article that sheds light on the underrepresentation of black academics in the UK - where only 1% of professors are black - and the unique challenges they face in higher education. From systemic bias to career progression, Mercy outlines the critical changes needed to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment for black academics. Read more 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wNMzG #DiversityInAcademia #BlackAcademics #TimesHigherEducation

🚀 Transforming Education: The Crucial Role of Black Principals In an enlightening op-ed for The Hechinger Report, "Black principals play a key role in transforming education. We need more of them," Dr. Phelton Moss reflects on the indispensable role that Black principals play in reshaping our education system. Black principals are instrumental in developing Black teachers, who, in turn, empower students of Color. Yet, only 10% of principals are Black -- highlighting a significant disparity that needs addressing. In his article, Dr. Moss advocates for the importance of engaging Black principals through targeted strategies to build more equitable schools and improve educational outcomes for all students. Read and share the article to support the call for more Black principals in our schools: https://lnkd.in/ekMAiWZk

Disrespect, low pay, lack of support keep Black teachers out of the profession "Black teachers leave the profession because they don’t feel supported for what they are able to bring to the table in terms of their unique experiences, and they leave because of the fact that they are not seen as equal to their colleagues,” said Brenda Walker, a Black teacher who is president of Associated Chino Teachers. The state is doing better than the nation as a whole. Just over 6% of U.S. teachers were Black in the 2021-21 school year; 1.3% of U.S. teachers were Black men. Black students made up 15% of the students that year. The number of Black teachers in the U.S. has been declining for years. A growing body of research shows that having a teacher of color in the classroom is important to students of color, resulting in higher test scores and a greater likelihood of graduating from college. Research also shows that having Black teachers in the classroom has a positive impact on all students, regardless of their race, said Travis Bristol, an associate professor of education at UC Berkeley, who has done extensive research on the topic. “The framing, I think historically, has been that Black teachers are just good for Black students,” Bristol said. “And while that is true, it is also true that Black teachers are lowering the suspension rates of students who are not Black.” The first hurdle for potential Black teachers comes early, while they are still students in K-12 schools, Bristol said. “We suspend and expel a disproportionate number of Black children,” he said. “There is evidence, there’s research that if you are suspended and expelled, it decreases the likelihood that you then move on to pursue a higher education.” Collectively, the experiences of Black educators, coupled with being tasked with working with Black families disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, have left Black teachers exhausted, Alicia Simba, a transitional kindergarten teacher in Oakland Unified, told EdSource. “It’s difficult when kids are carrying so much and parents are carrying so much, and wanting to be there to help them can be physically exhausting, as well as emotionally exhausting,” Simba said. “I think a lot of conversation around (teacher) burnout comes from that.”

In 2019, 36.9% of Black students nationwide were proficient in 8th grade language arts. Also, according to the same Department of Education, while Black people make up roughly 13% of the US population, we represent 26% of all U.S. adults with low levels of numeracy skills. Yo, Black educators and parents! Buckle up, because the state of Black education ain’t exactly sunshine and rainbows. The system’s been failing our students for way too long, especially Black students, and those facing additional challenges like poverty or disabilities. We can’t wait for some mythical savior to swoop in and fix everything. This is on us – the educators, the parents, the community – to rewrite the narrative. This is our education revolution, and it will be televised...by us! So, what can we do? Let’s start by amplifying Black voices in education.  Let’s celebrate the innovative educators who are already making a difference. Let’s share resources, support each other, and become the village that raises our brilliant Black minds. This ain’t gonna be easy, but together, we can build a future where Black education isn’t a struggle, it’s a celebration. We are the changemakers, the educators, the cheerleaders, and the heroes our children need. #EmpoweringBlackStudents #DismantleTheSystem #BuildingABetterFuture #BlackEducationRevolution #WeGotThis #CommunityStrong #SharingIsCaring #AmplifyBlackVoices #BlackEducatorsRock https://lnkd.in/esTqPwjk

Seventy years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling, racial segregation in public schools is rising, and education equity remains a critical issue. The Southern Education Foundation's latest report highlights these enduring challenges faced by Black students. Some analysis shows that schools today are more segregated than they were in 1968. Districts with high percentages of students of color receive about 13% less in state funding, widening the opportunity gap. Our work isn’t done. Dive into the report for a deeper look at the path forward to true equity in education. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gyk82fND Southern Education Foundation