Faith, Family, and Football: Black Men Teachers’ Influences and Aims for Teaching

• In Event: Male Teachers of Color in the Social Context of Education

Abstract

Black men have dominated recent recruitment discourse and efforts within education. However, far too often the discourse surrounding their need has positioned Black men in ways that do not align with teaching or learning. This instrumental case study draws from a larger body of work and examines what two Black men, secondary social studies teachers, described as their influences and aims for teaching. Findings from this study suggest that these two teachers were influenced by the spirit and philosophy of Ubuntu, an Afrocentric concept rooted in humanity and communalism. These findings challenge and trouble much of the recruitment discourse that oftentimes positions Black men teachers in linear and non-instructional ways. Implications for policy related to recruitment efforts and educational practice are provided.

Author

• Terrance Joshua Lewis, University of Alabama