Improve Black students’ educational experiences before next February.

As the conclusion of Black History Month approaches, numerous educational institutions throughout the country are wrapping up lessons that highlight the narratives of Black leaders from the Civil Rights Movement, Black artists, Black authors, Black musicians, Black politicians, and Black athletes.

While these initiatives hold significance, they fall short of what is truly needed.

If we aim to enhance educational achievements for Black students in America, the focus must begin with their educators.

In the academic year 2020-21, 80% of teachers in public schools in the U.S. were White, while only 46% of public school students identified as such. Research increasingly reveals the significant impact of racial and ethnic alignment between educators and students — students benefit from the presence of teachers who represent their backgrounds. This concept underpins the efforts of the Black Teacher Project and the