Why are Black teachers important?

As we have moved forward in building our community, we have faced backlash. Some have argued why are we advocating for only Black teachers and some have argued that it doesn’t matter who is teaching a child as long as they are passionate. 

Black teachers are so important to the education system today. For students of colour in classrooms today, they need to see someone like themselves as their teacher. Black teachers can often build relationships with students who often feel disconnected from their school or college. They set high expectations for ALL students. Diversity and Excellence is not something that we can stray away from. 

Whilst reading this, I want you to think: have you had a Black teacher in the past? What was that experience like for you? Do you remember their name? Do you remember how they made you feel? For Black students having representation is important, it can be encouraging and motivate them to know that can achieve too.

The epidemic of knife crime and violent crime in the UK and the prison population of young ethnic minorities all signal and point to the education system. 

School is supposed to be a mini-society for young people, a place where they are prepped for the wider world, however, if they are excluded from this, what message does that send to them on what they can achieve in the future? Black pupils are still significantly overrepresented in PRUs ( pupil referral units) and as of recent, the IRR (Institute of Race Relations) has recently warned that Black working-class pupils are unfairly excluded in England. 

Having more Black teachers and senior leaders is one way to begin to solve these issues. Here at Black Teachers Connect, we will continue the work we do to ensure this is the case.

Mission Statement: Black Teachers Connect CIC seeks to build a community for Black teachers. We strive to do this by supporting and promoting the recruitment and retention of Black teachers in the UK and worldwide.