Black educators still matter

Dr. Darrius Stanley, author of the book “#Black Educators Matter”, says that Black educators have historically provided much more than academic instruction in the classroom. He says that, most importantly, they offer a vision for the future. Stanley is the assistant professor and Carmen Starkson Campbell endowed fellow for innovation in teacher development at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Darrius A. Stanley (Photo provided/Darrius Stanley) “Black folks have always dreamed about spaces that don’t currently exist,” Stanley said. “And this notion of ‘freedom dreaming’ has always been at the forefront of Black education.” In his new book, Stanley explores the legacy of Black educators like Carter G. Woodson and Mary McLeod Bethune. He also revisits the historical events that pushed Black teachers out of the profession, like the thousands displaced after the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Part of Stanley’s work is to find ways to welcome Black educators back to the profession. “We have to have a leadership model and perspective that’s willing to see Black educators as intellectuals, as pedagogues [and] as experts in their field,” Stanley said. Breaking through barriers Black teachers are often expected to do much more with the same or fewer resources, Stanley...