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including members of PEDC’s Southwest region, to Philadelphia November 17th-19th
PEDC members from across PA, including several from Southwest PA, joined Black men educators and allies from across the US (and Germany!) in recognizing the impact of and need for more Black men in teaching.
With only 2% of the country’s teachers identifying as Black men, and with research demonstrating the impact of same-race teachers for students of color and the impact of teachers of color on white students, much conversation was spent on strategies for supporting, recruiting, and retaining Black men educators in particular. The National Black Men Educator Convening, held in Philadelphia from November 17th-19th, featured panels of PA state policymakers and legislators, Black Male National and Minnesota Teachers of the Year, effective Black male principals, Black male pre-service and new in-service teachers, as well as researchers and historians. Attendees were able to attend workshops on content, data, self-care, and collaboration. It was an impactful convening that included fellowship, professional learning and networking, and inspirational stories. PEDC congratulates the Center for Black Educator Development, headed by PEDC Acting Circle of Leader member Sharif El-Mekki and long-time invested partner Shayna Terrell, for a wonderful event! You can read or view more about the convening in the media pieces included here.
CBED’s CEO El-Mekki’s Op-Ed
CBED’s Board Chair Winston Cox’s interview (Fox 29 Philly)
6ABC Action News
Chalkbeat Philadelphia