AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE TEACHER SHORTAGE
Introduction to the Problem and Study Purpose
The U.S. Department of Education (2000), reported that there is a disparity between the numbers of teachers of color and the numbers of students of color. Research has concluded that Black and other minority role models for minority and majority students is important (U.S. Department of Education, 2000). These role models effect a child's impression regarding what they can become and the minority teacher also brings an inherent comprehension regarding the cultural experiences of minority students. The Black teacher is able to understand and communicate with students of color and they are able to assist majority teachers regarding this ability (Lewis, 2000). The problem is that there is a lack of needed minority teachers. It is important to learn and understand why African American males are not entering the teaching profession. The purpose of this research paper is to explore the problem of male African American teacher shortage.
Specifically, the following research question will guide this study: Why are African American males not entering the teaching profession?
The research hypotheses are as follows:
Hypothesis 1: There is a positive correlation between the shortage of minority teachers and the perceptions that teachers are of low social status by African American males.
Hypothesis 2: There is a positive correlation between the shortage of minority teachers and the perceptions that teachers are of low economic status by African American males.
African American Male Teacher Shortage
For this study, African American Male Teacher Shortage is operationally defined by the questions on the African American Teacher Survey related to perceptions of a teacher shortage and plans to leave teaching.
For this study Low Teacher Status is operationally defined by the questions on the African American Teacher Survey related t...