The Right to Belong: Minority Male Teachers’ Reflections in a Post-Secondary Teacher Preparation Mentoring Program

• In Event: Mentoring from the Margins: Preparing and Sustaining Teachers of Color for Educational Equity

Abstract

Research shows that students of color perform better when taught by teachers who share similar cultural backgrounds. The MAESTROS program aims to recruit and support male teachers of color, addressing the underrepresentation of teachers of color in the teaching profession. The program offers resources such as peer mentoring, financial assistance, and professional development to support aspiring males in overcoming academic barriers. By fostering a supportive community, MAESTROS enhances participants' sense of belonging and increases their likelihood of completing teaching credentials. In this study, data collection included interviews to identify common challenges among participants. The study offers implications for post-secondary teacher education programs that aim to enhance educational outcomes for male teachers of color.

Authors

• Gilberto P. Lara, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Langston Clark, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Xavier Loredo, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Victor Hugo Martin, University of Texas - San Antonio