Easing Down the Road: Exploring the Pathway to the Field and Experiences of Black Male Special Education Teachers

Abstract

For years, policymakers, districts, and scholars have pushed for the inclusion of more Black male teachers in US public schools; however, their even smaller subset—Black male special education teachers—has been ignored, particularly by scholars. The results of this study provide insight into the recruitment and retention of Black male special education teachers as the author interviewed 10 of them on what factors impacted their decision to enter the field and assume the roles they did. The results highlight that these teachers have had a parent who was a special educator or mentor who aided their decision, and they often assume the role of a tutor or father figure, particularly for Black boys in their schools. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.

Keywords:

• Black male teachers
• Black male special education teachers
• special education teachers
• diversity in teacher education