Recruiting Black men into teaching begins in K-12 and ends with retirement. Our programs engage Black males in education throughout their lives.
Research points to four factors that lead Black men to and through the classroom. We lean into these four factors as we work with partner organizations to build local pipelines to bring Black males to teaching.
Experience
Black Male Teachers
When Black boys experience Black male teachers, they are more likely to succeed in school, reach lifelong success, and become teachers.
Exposure
to Teaching
When Black males have their own early exposure to teaching, they are more likely to begin a career in education.
Expand
Teaching Skills
When Black males have culturally-relevant opportunities to expand their teaching skills, they have the tools to stay in the teaching profession longer.
Explore
Self-Identity
When Black males explore their own identities, they become more effective classroom teachers.
Public and private schools, school districts, colleges and universities, and teacher preparation programs can recruit directly from our network. When you partner with He is Me Institute and our local Education Equity Initiative, you commit to implementing the I AM KING mentoring program for school-aged boys of color and/or to providing unique teacher development to Black males.
When Black males complete our mentoring program, along with at least one appropriate teacher development course, they are welcomed into He is Me’s Fellows Network as a Fellow Member. They gain permanent access to job postings, networking opportunities, connection to other Black male teachers, professional development, and a central source for information on education equity–all with a focus on Black male teachers.
Black males who want to learn more about the field, including how to implement our programs at their institutions, may join our network as a General Member.
IAK is an after-school mentoring program for small groups of K-12 boys of color. Black college men serve as mentors, gaining their first authentic teaching experience , while for the boys, it is likely to be a first-time experience with a Black male teacher.
IAK implements all of the 4Es of the Black male teacher framework. (see above)
Mentors participate in weekly training where they learn to facilitate the IAK curriculum at He is Me's partner schools. Experienced Black male teachers serve as the liaisons between the program, the school, and the boys’ families. He is Me's team is always available to provide needed support and resources.
We provide high school and college courses as well as post-grad and
teacher-level development modules for you to implement. In all tiers of development, we train your staff to become certified to teach the courses
and/or to lead the development.
Our Courses
Together, we can empower more Black men to lead from the blackboard.
Greater Boston
P.A. Shaw Elementary
Boston Latin Academy
University of Massachusetts Boston
Emmanuel College
Greater Cincinnati
Middletown City School District
Your school isn't partnering with He is Me? Book a HIM Scoping Call with our Chief Program Officer.
Program Model
The IAK program is a 24-week Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Teacher Discovery curriculum which takes place at our partner schools for 60-90 minutes per week.
Program Overview:
● Black boys experience teachers
● Black Male college students are exposed to teaching
● Black male teachers are expanding their skills
● All participants are exploring their identities
Our Participants:
● 10 middle school Black boys
● 1 Black male college student (Instructor Internship)
● 1 Black male teacher (Site Coordinator)
Program Model
The Teach Local Fellowships provides opportunities to deepen the skills and passion needed to remain a teacher. There is a fellowship for college students and a fellowship for teachers.
College Teach Local Fellowship: College fellows automatically serve as an Instructor in a local I AM KING program.
Student Details:
● Graduating seniors
● Participate in an 8-week education and identity course
● Engage in monthly workshops
● Receive a stipend
● Supported to matriculate into teaching (via teacher residency or job placement)
● Graduate into our alumni network to receive ongoing career development
Black Male Educator (BME) Teach Local Fellowship: BME Fellows automatically serve as a Site Coordinator for IAK at their school.
Teacher Details:
● Have access to development from partner organizations
● May receive financial support to attend professional development opportunities
● Have access to job opportunities from partner schools
● Learn how to expand teaching and/or teacher leader skills
Fast Facts
● No cost to students
● Living stipend provided
● Professional Development
● Career Connections
Impact
● Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Development for boys
● Mentoring boys
● Better positioned for Career
Current and aspiring Black male teachers can take this course in identity development through a culturally-relevant teaching framework and the lens of the Black American male experience..
Get Involved
Looking to bring He is Me Programs to your school or district? Schedule a HIM Program Scoping Call.
Want us to bring our programs to your students school? Download our Program Interest Kit for instructions on getting schools involved.
