To the Editor:
Thank you for your affirming, empowering, and thoughtful article, “Black Teachers Make a Difference,” (April 18, 2017). As an African-American male who has been teaching high school for over 20 years, I am fully aware of the need for black students to see themselves and their stories reflected in their daily experience. Black teachers are a constant reminder that black success is not an exception, but rather, the rule. Moreover, white students also benefit from being taught by black educators. Sadly, too many white students have limited exposure to black knowledge and competence.
Diversifying the nation’s teaching force benefits all students. Administrators and school leaders everywhere must make teacher diversity a top priority.
Julian Kenneth Braxton
Director of Community and Multicultural Affairs
History Faculty
The Winsor School
Boston, Mass.
