Black educators play a transformative role in the lives of students, shaping futures through empathy, understanding, and unwavering support. This blog explores the profound impact of Black teachers and their unique ability to create inclusive, empowering learning environments. With firsthand reflections from Hailey Boutte, Manager of the Black Educators Initiative (BEI), she speaks on the legacy of Black educators in her life and the ongoing efforts of her team to help Black teachers at City Teaching Alliance reach their fullest potential.
Why Black Educators Are Essential in the Classroom
The difference between a child thriving and simply surviving in school often comes down to the teacher standing before them. For me, education has always been close to home. My mom is a teacher, so I was at school even when I wasn’t in school. I remember sitting in her classroom after hours, watching her do things for her students that no one asked her to do.
She brought extra coats to class for kids who didn’t have one. If a student’s hair wasn’t done, she was there with my hairbox to comb their hair. Her cabinets were always full of snacks for hungry students. As a kid, I didn’t fully understand why she had to do these things, but it planted the first seeds of empathy in me and confusion. Why did she have to do this?
That question stayed with me and continues to drive the work I do today.
The Difference Black Educators Made for Me
I was lucky. I had my first Black teachers in Pre-K, Mrs. Bridgette and Mrs. Foster, and another in first grade, Mrs. Hampton. Later, I had Mr. Maiden as my music teacher. These teachers didn’t just teach me. They believed in me. They protected me.
And it wasn’t just my teachers. I connected with another Black educator, Mrs. Richardson, who wasn’t my teacher, but still, she treated me like her own. She made me feel seen and cared for, even though I wasn’t her responsibility on paper. That’s the thing about Black educators—they go beyond the job description. They show up for students in ways that leave lasting impressions.
Looking back now, I realize how rare and special that was. Having so many Black educators at a young age gave me a foundation that’s carried me through everything I’ve done since. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about knowing I had people in my corner who saw me, understood me, and cared deeply about my success.
But as I got older, things changed. The classrooms I walked into were no longer filled with teachers who looked like me. I went from operating in love to operating in fear—not fear of physical harm, but the constant pressure to excel just to avoid being targeted or underestimated.
Even then, the Black educators who were there, like Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Coach Morris, continued to pour into me. They reminded me of my worth and helped me navigate environments that didn’t always feel welcoming. And because of the foundation built by my early teachers, I was able to succeed despite those challenges.
Why This Work Matters
That is why working on the Black Educators Initiative (BEI) team has been so rewarding. I see firsthand how important it is to support our Black educators through conversations I’ve had.
One of the best parts of this work is giving our teachers space to grow and recharge. We know professional development opportunities are important for teachers to grow in their craft, but opportunities to invest in their well-being are equally important. That’s why part of our programming is grounded in community-centered spaces like Black Women Leading in Education (BWLE), which is offered in partnership with Connections Multiplied, Too. Black women educators participating in BWLE focus on leadership, self-care, and building their careers.
Through similar annual events like the Black Men in Education Convening (BMEC) in Philadelphia, we create space for connection and community for our Black male educators. It is a chance for them to come together, share their experiences, and lean on each other. These opportunities are so important because our teachers need us to pour into them so that their cups stay full and they can continue to pour into their students.
I saw this firsthand with my mom when she gave so much to her students. I felt it growing up as I benefited from teachers who poured into me. And now, I am grateful to be able to put that into action on my team.
Building a Better Future
I feel incredibly grateful when I think about the teachers who shaped me. They taught me more than reading and math; they taught me resilience, confidence, and the soft power of showing up for others.
As I work to support the next generation of Black educators, I carry their legacies with me. I know through experience the impact of having someone in your corner who believes in you and protects you. Every child deserves that, and every Black educator deserves a community that does the same for them.
When we support Black educators, we’re not just supporting individuals but creating classrooms where students can learn surrounded by love and understanding. We’re building a future where every child can thrive.
And that’s a future worth working towards.
Ready to Join the Alliance?
When we empower Black educators, we’re transforming futures in classrooms across Baltimore, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. At City Teaching Alliance, our mission is to prepare culturally responsive, career educators who accelerate student achievement and disrupt systems of racial and socioeconomic inequity.
If you’re inspired to spark change in one of our four regions, click here to talk to a member of our team, or take this quiz to see if teaching is right for you!
