Why Minnesota needs more Black teachers

Minnesota's student population has grown significantly more diverse over the past few decades. Today, nearly 40 percent of the state's K-12 students identify as students of color.

But, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, just 7 percent of the state’s teachers identify as teachers of color.

The gap is even wider for Black educators. While Black students make up about 12 percent of Minnesota's student population, Black teachers account for just 1.4 percent of the state's teaching workforce. And Black men make up only 0.5 percent of all K-12 teachers in the state.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders of Black Men Teach, a Twin Cities organization that’s working to recruit, prepare and support Black male elementary school teachers in Minnesota.

Guests:

•  Markus Flynn is the CEO of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. He used to teach fifth and sixth grade science at Prodeo Academy in Minneapolis.

• Devon Minke teaches third grade at North Park School for Innovation in Columbia Heights.

• Keondre Lewis teaches second grade at North Park School for Innovation in Columbia Heights.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.