Michele Lamons-Raiford’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

I’m happy to announce that my article “Challenges in Hiring and Retaining Black Teachers—A Critical Analysis” has been accepted in the Open Journal of Social Sciences! This is an extension of my dissertation that focused on academic achievement and mayoral control with African American high school students of Chicago Public Schools. ABSTRACT This scholarly article critically examines the problems associated with the recruitment and retention of black teachers in the education system. It explores the historical context, underlying factors, and consequences of the underrepresentation of black teachers in schools. The article also highlights the importance of diversity in the teaching profession and proposes strategies for addressing the persistent challenges in hiring and retaining black teachers. The recruitment and retention of Black teachers in K-12 education present significant challenges that impact educational equity and student outcomes. This critical analysis examines key barriers faced by Black educators within the hiring and retention processes. Structural inequalities in access to higher education and teacher preparation programs contribute to a limited pipeline of qualified Black candidates. Moreover, bureaucratic barriers in licensing and certification processes hinder entry into the profession. Disparities in salary and compensation packages, along with hostile school climates characterized by racial microaggressions, further exacerbate retention challenges. Additionally, inadequate mentorship and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of Black teachers contribute to high turnover rates. Addressing these challenges requires systemic reforms in policy and practice to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational institutions. This analysis underscores the urgent need for culturally responsive recruitment strategies, supportive work environments, and targeted professional development to enhance the representation and retention of Black teachers in the teaching workforce.

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

🚀 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

My friend, Felecia, Russell, EdD’s book, Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education is available to pre order today. This book unveils the deeply woven stories of Black undocumented students in higher education, and provides a profound and timely exploration of resilience, identity, and educational excellence. It brilliantly captures the nuances and challenges Black undocumented students face, illuminating their journeys with empathy and insight. This is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and anyone invested in understanding the complex intersectionality of race and immigration in the U.S. educational landscape. An eye-opening account, it prompts us to reflect, advocate, and champion inclusivity and justice for all students. Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education is set to be released by Routledge on Monday, April 15, 2024, but is already available for pre-order. Please support Felecia by pre ordering this book, also, here is a 20% discount code (EFLY01)to use at check-out. You won’t be disappointed. https://lnkd.in/gbeknd6Z

Let’s elevate education as a priority! 👑 Ensuring access to Black educators is essential for empowering our royalty. Dive into this insightful article to explore how we can create a brighter future for every Black student: https://bit.ly/3XR5dgJ

Are our teachers OK? Are our students OK? I recently heard Linda Darling-Hammond and Pedro A. Noguera, Ph.D., speak at a conference about the critical role Black educators play in our schools. They shared powerful insights about how Black teachers not only affirm the identity of Black students but also help white students understand and embrace diversity. It makes perfect sense. Yet, the reality doesn’t. "Black teachers make up only 7% of the profession, leaving many to navigate the burden of being one of the few in predominantly white work environments—on top of the growing challenges of burnout, larger class sizes, and stretched resources." It’s clear: the system isn’t built to sustain these incredible educators, and that needs to change. Their presence matters—for students, for schools, and for the future of education. Let's help ALL educators thrive together! Thriving Students Collective #TeacherWellness #RepresentationMatters #SupportBlackEducators https://lnkd.in/dzgKFAwc

Teachers how are you and your school supporting black students? Here are Five steps to how you can support your black students in your schools and classroom….. 1.Culturally Responsive Teaching: This approach involves teachers acknowledging and incorporating the cultural backgrounds and experiences of black students into their teaching practices. By doing so, teachers can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment where black students feel seen, valued, and understood. This can include incorporating culturally relevant materials, incorporating diverse perspectives into lessons, and being mindful of different communication styles and learning preferences. 2. Diverse Curriculum: Schools can promote inclusivity and validate the experiences of black students by including diverse perspectives, voices, and contributions of black individuals throughout history and across various subjects. This means going beyond traditional narratives to highlight the rich and diverse heritage of black communities, exploring topics such as African history, literature by black authors, and the contributions of black scientists, inventors, and leaders. 3. Anti-Bias Education: Providing teachers with training on recognising and addressing implicit biases is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive school culture. Anti-bias education helps teachers understand how biases can manifest in the classroom and equips them with strategies to promote fairness, respect, and empathy for all students. This includes fostering open dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and promoting critical thinking about issues of race and identity. 4. Mentorship and Support Programs: Establishing mentorship programs and support groups specifically tailored to the needs of black students can provide them with valuable guidance, encouragement, and resources to navigate academic and personal challenges. These programs can offer academic support, mentorship from teachers, mentors or older students, opportunities for leadership development, and a sense of belonging and community. 5. Access to Resources: Ensuring equitable access to educational resources is essential for bridging the achievement gap and empowering black students to succeed. This includes providing adequate funding for schools serving predominantly black communities, as well as ensuring access to books, technology, extracurricular activities, and advanced coursework. Schools can also provide support for students who may face financial barriers to accessing resources, such as offering scholarships or assistance with purchasing school supplies or participating in extracurricular activities. By implementing these strategies and committing to ongoing efforts to support black students, schools can create a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering learning environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive.

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

When I was a college student in the school of education, there were about four other Black women educators in my program. We would often lean on one another and share our experiences navigating our program, student teaching and some of the experiences we were having at the schools we were assigned to. That was over 20 years ago, and yet, the lack of affinity spaces for Black women educators still persists today. Lately, I’ve had more and more college students reaching out, asking how we can help them establish these spaces on their campuses for Black women educators. But the reality is they shouldn’t have to do this alone. Universities should be backing their efforts and providing the resources and support needed to make these spaces sustainable. This is where Black Girls Teach comes in. We would love to partner with colleges and universities to help create, sustain, and grow affinity spaces for Black women educators. If your institution is ready to invest in meaningful support for Black women in education, let’s talk. https://lnkd.in/eyR7pBRW