A white teacher instructs a newly integrated class at P.S. 77 in the Glendale section of Queens, New York, in September 1959. (AP Photo). Img source: edweek.org
May 10, 2024 Story by: Publisher
While the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision is widely celebrated for desegregating public schools and advancing racial justice, the 70th anniversary of this landmark ruling also marks a somber reality: the significant decline in Black teachers following the decision.
Before Brown, Black teachers made up 35% to 50% of the teacher workforce in segregated states. Today, they represent only 6.7% of public K-12 teachers, despite Black children comprising over 15% of public school students.
Researchers specializing in education policy, teacher diversity, critical research methods, and teacher quality emphasize the urgency of addressing this issue to fulfill Brown’s promise and tackle the national teacher shortage. They advocate for hiring more teachers of color as a crucial step.
The Rise and Fall of Black Teachers
Before Brown, many Black communities established their own private schools, often with limited resources, to provide quality education for Black children. Black teachers played a vital role in these schools, offering care and support despite unequal conditions compared to white schools.
However, after Brown mandated integration, hundreds of segregated schools closed, leading to the dismissal of over 38,000 Black teachers by white school leaders. The disappearance of community-run schools for Black children also meant the loss of Black educators who served them.
The Importance of Black Teachers
Over the years, research has consistently highlighted the positive impact of teachers of color on student learning and development, particularly for children of color. Studies have shown that Black teachers can encourage Black students to enroll in challenging math classes and increase their likelihood of graduating high school and attending college.
