Diversifying the Educator Pipeline: Supporting Black Educators Through Recruitment, Preparation, and Retention(Academy for Educational Studies)

Recognizing the "diversity crisis" in regards to the cultural dissonance between educators and their diverse students, Diversifying the Educator Pipeline provides a critical examination of the mistakes we have made in our efforts to bolster the presence of Black educators. Grounded with the historical context of Black educators in America, Shaylyn Marks weaves research, practice and personal accounts to critically examine why efforts to diversify the educator pipeline have not yielded the desired results. With an analytical lens, the recruitment, preparation, and retention of Black educators is examined while offering alternative practices to strengthen these efforts. Acknowledging the cyclical nature of potential trauma and harm that occurs in educational spaces, insights and recommendations are provided for all stakeholders as a means to cultivate a diverse educator workforce that better supports and reflects diverse classrooms of students. Diversifying the Educator Pipeline illuminates issues pertaining to the ways in which Black students and educators are disenfranchised, and serves as a call to action for the education community.

Table of Contents:
Preface ONE Prelude - Unpacking the Intersection of My Personal and Educational History Unpacking the History of Black Education TWO Prelude - Unpacking My Teacher Recruitment Experiences Exploring Disruptions to Black Educator Recruitment THREE Prelude - Unpacking My Teacher Preparation Experience Where Have We Gone Wrong? A Critical Examination of the Role of Teacher Preparation Programs FOUR Prelude - Unpacking My First Teaching Experience Examining Black Educator Experiences to Understand High Attrition Rates FIVE Prelude - Dreaming of a Better Tomorrow Reclaiming and Dreaming About the Author Index

About the Author :
Dr. Shaylyn Marks is an Assistant Professor in the Teacher Education Department at California State University Bakersfield. The main focus of her work centers on advancing innovative ways to create equitable learning opportunities for underserved populations. With culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies at the core of her work, her research interests include evolving educator preparation practices and advocating for equitable systems of practice and structures within educational spaces.

Review :
"Black education matters. To that end, the story of Black education cannot be told without the important role that Black educators have and continue to play. In this essential book, Shaylyn Marks offers invaluable insights into why diversifying the educator pipeline is critical to education, and how we do it. For anyone truly concerned about teacher education and retention of diverse educators this is a must read."--Tyrone Howard, Faculty Co-Director; Professor of Education, UCLA School of Education and Information Studies "Dr. Marks has written an essential book for educators that emphasizes the importance of sharing our personal narratives and lived experiences to achieve transformational change for all students. By telling the truth about the historical challenges and opportunities faced by Black educators, the hope is progress can be made towards a fully inclusive and equitable educational system."--Dr. Tia Brown McNair, co-author of "From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education" "We need educators of color now more than ever. By drawing from empirical research to make the case, Marks has provided an important perspective in the work of supporting young people across content and context."--H. Richard Milner IV, Professor of Education, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning "Diversifying the Educator Pipeline: Supporting Black Educators Through Recruitment, Preparation, and Retention, is a wonderful academic text that dives into the field of education. With clear, meticulous research, Marks provides a thorough exploration of the ways in which to recruit, prepare, and retain Black teachers. Marks' expertise and thoughtful presentation make complex ideas accessible while she encourages readers to think critically about the presented topics. Additionally, the way that Marks weaves in her personal story is a great touch and gives a research text a narrative feel. This book stands out as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and teachers."--Patricia Lane, Assistant Professor, California State University Fresno, Kremen School of Education and Human Development "The call to reimagine education is urgent, and Diversifying the Educator Pipeline responds with both history and hope. Uncovering systemic barriers that have long excluded Black educators, this book moves beyond loss to reclamation. Rooted in Sankofa, Shaylyn Marks challenges us to not only recruit Black teachers but to sustain and uplift them. The future of education depends on it."--Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, PhD., Professor & Poet, Teachers College, Columbia University, Co-Editor, "All About Black Girl Love in Education: bell hooks and Pedagogies of Love"