Equity in Education: Advancing Opportunities for Black Teachers and Parents, A Virtual Learning Series

In collaboration with Donors Choose and the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, UNCF announces the launch of the “Equity in Education: Advancing Opportunities for Black Teachers and Parents” virtual learning series.

This free virtual learning series will take place daily from 12- 1 p.m., Feb 12-16, 2024, online.

Participants will be introduced to best practices in strengthening the Black teacher pipeline from the perspectives of educators, HBCU teacher education programs, Black male faculty, Black parents and a historian. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion with like-minded peers by engaging in the research presentations below.

Each presentation will be 60 minutes.

Monday, Feb. 12 — Build for Equity
Dr. Jemelleh Coes, Justin Minkel, Leigh Ann Erickson, National Network of State Teachers of the Year

This presentation, sponsored by ETS (Educational Testing Service), explores the practices of educators and school personnel overseeing hiring, emphasizing the positive impact of diversifying the teacher workforce.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 — The Heart Work of Hard Work: Black Teacher Pipeline Best Practices at HBCU Teacher Education Programs
Dr. Keeley Webb Copridge, Dr. Raeshan Davis, Dr. Latasha Mosley, UNCF Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute

Highlighting best practices from HBCU Teacher Education Programs, this session focuses on policies and processes that significantly contribute to the Black teacher pipeline.

Wednesday, Feb 14 — Insights into the Black Male Educators’ Experience
Kristina “Steen” Joye Lyles, Donors Choose
Sharif El -Mekki, CEO, The Center for Black Educator Development

The largest-ever survey on male teachers of color, sponsored by Donors Choose, reveals the experiences of Black male educators and offers insights on recruitment and retention strategies.

Thursday, Feb. 15 — Hear Us, Believe Us: Centering African American Parent Voices in K-12 Education
Dr. Meredith Anderson, UNCF K-12 Advocacy

Centering on African American parent voices, this presentation sheds light on key issues in education from the perspective of parents and caregivers.

Friday, Feb. 16 — Reflecting on the past, present and future of Black Teachers in America’s Education system: A fireside chat with Dr. Dionne Danns
Dr. Nadrea Njoku, UNCF Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute
Dr. Dionne Danns, University of Illinois Chicago

Participants will have an opportunity to engage in an insightful discussion on the tremendous impact Black teachers have played in the development of America’s public education system. In addition, we will discuss Black teachers’ experience in and out of the classroom presently during such a challenging time politically and ways that we can further support them in the future.

Click Here to Participate

Sponsors of the Equity in Education series: UNCF, NNSTOY, and Donors Choose