Black Teachers in Education

I recently read an article published in the New York Times written by David Jackson, titled "The Real Reason Black Kids Benefit From Black Teachers." The article discusses the significance of how having even just one Black Teacher can make a huge difference. As a black educator I know this is very important to our students including the black students. Mainly black students because being of the same racial background the students feel that they relate more to them. Relating not because we came from similar neighborhoods or upbringings but simply because we look just like them. I am able to reach the students I work with for many reasons. There are times when a student feels that no one can feel where they are coming from and I use those experiences to listen to the students frustrations and concerns in order to possibly change that students thought process about whatever he or she is struggling with. In the article Jackson says "The fact that my skin colors matches that of my students doesn't give me any superpowers as an educator. But it does give me the ability to see them in a way that is untarnished by stereotypes, biases and cultural disconnects that fuel inequality and injustice." This quote speaks volumes because many times being of different ethnic backgrounds than someone else can make it difficult to sometimes place yourself in someone else shoes. The media can sometimes aid in the stereotypes placed upon different groups of people. That alone makes it hard in the educational field.