Journal of a Black Teacher

I believe it is important to explore the sources of support and resources available to us. I am confident that many Black teachers and administrators would be willing to contribute $50 a month to the BMT, provided there is a clear and transparent approach that fosters trust, accountability, and responsibility through the use of data. My focus is not on personal grievances but rather on promoting positive outcomes, as I have a deep understanding of the systems in which we operate. By Don Allen, Ed.S., M.A. Ed., MAT - Doctoral Candidate - Research Scientist As a Black male teacher in Minnesota, I am particularly concerned with efforts to grow the number of Black male teachers in Minnesota classrooms. Black Men Teach (BMT), a nonprofit group, has drawn attention for its work to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black male elementary school teachers in Minnesota. While the aims of the organization are commendable, there is an immediate need for greater transparency regarding its activiti...

By Don Allen, Journal of A Black Teacher (Editorial Opinion) The Minnesota Department of Education's Grow Your Own programs are innovative and needed ventures laid out to cater to the reality of teacher shortages and to develop a teaching career workforce that is diverse and highly qualified. Though these kinds of programs generally target both high school dropouts and paraprofessionals for the project, there is still a very strong argument to begin real GYO programs as early as middle school. Beginning GYO initiatives in middle school can harness the formative nature of these years, providing a strong foundation for future educators and addressing critical educational challenges. How do district leaders Identify and cultivate an interest in teaching? Middle school is a formative stage for scholars regarding their interests or the road to their future careers. With this program, the Minnesota Department of Education will be better prepared to identify students who already have an i...