Berkeley School of Education. Img source: bse.berkeley.edu
May 28, 2024 Story by: Editor
Despite the profound impact Black teachers have on the academic and social development of their students, persistent inequalities in access to resources and workplace challenges hinder their recruitment and retention, as outlined in a paper co-authored by a UC Berkeley School of Education associate professor.
Titled “Facing the Rising Sun: Black Teachers’ Positive Impact Post-Brown,” the paper sheds light on the transformative influence of Black educators and offers policy recommendations to bolster their support. Associate professor Travis Bristol and Learning Policy Institute senior researcher Desiree Carver-Thomas collaborated on the paper, part of the “Brown at 70: Reflections and the Road Forward” series commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.
Before the Brown decision, Black teachers played a pivotal role in nurturing academic excellence and sociopolitical awareness among Black students in segregated schools, fostering future civil rights leaders, Bristol explained. Post-Brown, Black teachers continued to enhance the educational experience, displaying higher expectations and garnering greater engagement from students, particularly Black students. Moreover, they positively impacted students of other races, including Asian American students, and offered mentorship to fellow Black educators.
However, despite their invaluable contributions, Black teachers face disproportionate turnover rates, with their numbers dwindling over the past three decades. Bristol attributed this trend to challenges in under-resourced schools, exacerbated by discriminatory hiring practices and inadequate support systems.
To address these persistent barriers, the paper advocates for increased investments in teacher preparation programs, National Board certification, and leadership development initiatives for principals.
While acknowledging the ongoing struggle for educational equity, Bristol remains hopeful, emphasizing the symbolism behind the paper’s cover art and title. Source: The Daily Californian
“They underscore this sense of hope that a new day has begun,” Bristol remarked. “And that’s really what we’re trying to underscore in the research — that there are things to mourn, but there are also things to celebrate around the Brown decision.”
