Wheelock College Looks to Expand the Number of Black Men Studying to Become Teachers

According to the U.S. Department of Education, less than 2 percent of all master’s degrees in education are awarded to black men. Less than 2 percent of the nation’s K-12 teachers are black men.

In an effort to boost the number of black males in the teaching profession, Wheelock College in Boston has established the Leadership Academy for Future Educators. Eleventh-grade students from the Boston public school system and the Eagle Academy for Young Men in the South Bronx in New York City who have expressed an interest in becoming teachers are selected for an eight-day retreat where they attend workshops on leadership. And they are counseled on college and career choices. Students selected for the Leadership Academy will participate in other activities throughout the school year. A special financial aid fund has been established for Leadership Academy members who apply to and are accepted at Wheelock College.

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