We all want the best for our students. We try our hardest to create classroom environments where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. But what if the person standing at the front of the classroom—your colleague, your fellow teacher—could play an even more important role in shaping student success than we ever imagined? We know that Black teachers impact a decrease in SPED referrals for Black students, but now even more recent research reveals that having Black teachers in our schools has many more positive effects on students.
Black teachers make a real, measurable difference in the lives of all students.
A robust study by David Blazar explores the profound impact Black teachers have on their students. The research highlights statistically significant improvements in students’ self-efficacy, engagement, and academic performance, emphasizing the unique and indispensable role Black teachers play in fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. So, kids feel better about themselves, engage more in school, attend school more often, and increase their academic achievement when they’re taught by a Black teacher. Here are his major findings:
Key findings from Blazar (2024):
- Self-efficacy boost. Black teachers impact and increase Black students’ self-efficacy by 0.85 standard deviations (SD), enhancing their belief in their ability to succeed in academic tasks.
- Enhanced engagement. Students reported being more engaged and happier in classes taught by Black teachers, with an increase of 0.69 SD in classroom engagement for Black students.
- Reduction in absences. Black teachers significantly reduced absences, with a 47% decrease for Black students and 22% decrease for non-Black students.
- Academic improvement. Black teachers improved the math test scores of both Black and non-Black students by 0.24 SD on average. Additionally, the study found long-term benefits in English language arts (ELA) test scores, particularly for Black students.
Can we trust this research?
Not all research measures up equally! Here’s what our We Are Teachers “Malarkey Meter” says when it comes to this publication based on four key factors.
- Peer-reviewed? Yes! This manuscript likely went through many rounds of the peer-review process.
- Sample size: Blazar’s research included 1,283 students and 71 teachers, providing enough statistical power and data for strong analysis.
- Trustworthy sources: While David Blazar is on the fresher side of academic research, he is well respected in the Educational Policy field and already has over 4,000 citations! This research is also published in a reputable academic journal, Educational Researcher, which has a high impact factor and low acceptance rate (i.e., it’s not easy to get published with them).
- Methodology: The study used a randomized experimental design, which is like a controlled experiment where students were randomly assigned to either Black or White teachers. This approach helps to ensure that the outcomes observed are due to the teacher’s influence and not other factors. By tracking students over time, Dr. Blazar observed how these relationships affected attendance, test scores, and self-belief. This method is one of the strongest ways to study the impact of teachers on students. He nailed it!
What does this mean for teachers?
The findings highlight Black teachers’ role in not only improving academic outcomes but also shaping students’ social-emotional well-being. As educators, we can take these findings and apply them to our own classrooms and schools:
- Advocate for diversity in hiring: The evidence is clear—having Black teachers in the classroom benefits all students. Advocate for policies in your school or district that prioritize the recruitment and retention of Black educators. Encourage your school to participate in programs like Grow Your Own initiatives that focus on developing and supporting a more diverse teaching workforce.
- Support and learn from your colleagues: Black teachers bring unique perspectives and cultural wealth to their instruction that benefit all students. Take time to reflect on how you can incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices in your own classroom. Consider how you can draw on the cultural backgrounds and experiences of your students to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.
David Blazar shared with We Are Teachers this key takeaway for teachers:
Black teachers make an incredible difference in the lives of all kids. My research shows that having a Black teacher accelerates students’ academic performance by an additional half year of school, with these effects lasting for years. Black teachers also have a profound impact on students’ social-emotional development, boosting their confidence, engagement, and happiness in the classroom. These effects likely stem from Black teachers serving as strong role models and bringing unique perspectives and cultural wealth to their instruction, benefiting all students.
As the researcher emphasizes, Black teachers impact the lives of all students. They bring knowledge, experience, and cultural insight that not only improves academic outcomes but also fosters a supportive, inclusive classroom. By advocating for a diverse teaching workforce, reflecting on our practices, and supporting colleagues, we can create thriving schools. Let’s be educators who not only recognize the importance of diversity but actively work to make it a reality.