Using Critical Race Theory to Explore the Black Men Teacher Shortage

Abstract:As this country’s K-12 student population becomes increasingly racially heterogeneous, the preponderance of its teachers remains White and female. Inspired by this phenomenon, the purpose of this article is to examine the shortage of Black men teachers using critical race theory (CRT). The precepts of CRT used in this examination are the centrality of race and racism in society and challenge to the dominant, including meritocracy and color blindness. This article identifies some of the current challenges facing prospective Black men educators, and it offers insight into forces that began an involuntary exodus of Black educators from the profession. This article also contends the Black men teacher shortage is based on racial considerations and is a patently nationwide epidemic.