The end of the school year has arrived, but everyone knows teachers take no time off. While educators everywhere gear up for a small breather in the form of summer break, we’re anticipating what viral, educational classroom moments Black teachers will plan for the next school year.
According to NPR, a 2017 study by the Institute of Labor Economics revealed that “having just one black teacher in third, fourth or fifth grade reduced low-income black boys' probability of dropping out of high school by 39 percent.” Considering this insight, it’s not hard to see why we get excited by quality Black educators, whose love for teaching is evidenced by how much they invest in their student’s positive development. Between the decline in the number of Black teachers and the increase in low-retention rates of Black teachers in the U.S., it’s clear just how important it is to show love to Black teachers. Therefore, we want to revisit and celebrate Black teachers who have made a difference in their students’ lives just in time for summer break. Here are five epic internet moments that show the value of Black teachers in the school system and why having that representation in the classroom matters.
1. When Ms. Bishop Borrowed Her Student’s Style
We need more of this. Building confidence and reinforcing the natural beauty of our little girls.— cнrιѕтιne нerrera (@Kishez) February 6, 2018
Ms. Bishop-Gatson was sure to give thanks while being sure to let everyone know, it's all about the kids.
Wow!!! Thank you so much sharing???????? this is just me simply living my purpose….teaching children (and all people) to feel whole & loved!! Thank you again for sharing????— Mrs. Leigha Bishop-Gatson M.Ed. (@LeighaBishop) February 6, 2018
2. When Mr. Jones Gave His Confidence-Boosting Taper
YouTube | 13WMAZ
3. When Teachers Decorated Their Doors For The Culture
Look how one of my co-workers decorated her door for Black History Month! @MsJonesSCE #lisdlib #scestallions #stewartscreekes #lisdculture pic.twitter.com/A6yk1LFu2g— Sonya Ford (@Ford_sdford) February 1, 2019
Just look at how this teacher reimagined her classroom door in celebration of Black History Month! ❤️???????? pic.twitter.com/zBLZozo4zz— Kyra's Shea Medleys Hair & Skincare (@KyraSheaMedleys) January 30, 2019
@MmeCArt check out THIS door decorating idea for Black History Month! #WEAREMILLER pic.twitter.com/mUlPef7sBo— Jocelyn Vernon Baker (@mme_vb) January 31, 2019
4. When Mr. White Gave His Swaggy Handshakes
YouTube | Good Morning America
5. When Teachers Made Educational Hip-Hop Remixes
Ms. Merlette's class "got the answers in the back."
i’m cheesing hard as hell watching this. this beautiful lol https://t.co/em0RUX5cqX— nope (@LilNasX) May 2, 2019
Ms. Underwood’s class in Chicago goes all out “for the grade.”
YouTube | MediaDrumPlusTV
Mrs. Crim’s algebra version of “Bodak Yellow.”
YouTube | Cassie Crim
We can't wait to see what the next generation of teachers come up with!