Building a Better Future: Leading Cincinnati’s Classrooms
Cincinnati’s educational system is undergoing a quiet but powerful revolution, driven by dedicated male educators who are shaping the future of thousands of students. From preschool classrooms to high school hallways, these educators are doing more than just teaching; they are mentors, role models, and changemakers. Their presence is especially critical as the city works to diversify its teaching workforce, ensuring that students see themselves reflected in the people guiding their education.
But the challenge is real. Over 60% of students in Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) are Black, yet only 4% of teachers are Black men. Representation in the classroom matters, not just for academic success but for building confidence, fostering ambition, and inspiring young minds. Fortunately, Cincinnati is stepping up with innovative programs, mentorship initiatives, and recruitment efforts to bring more men—especially men of color—into the education field.
Recruiting Future Educators Through The Leading Men Fellowship
The Leading Men Fellowship, an initiative by The Literacy Lab, is one of the most exciting programs tackling this issue. Young men of color (ages 18-24) are recruited to serve as early literacy tutors in high-need preschools, giving them hands-on experience while inspiring the next generation.
This year-long, paid residency is more than just a job—it’s a launching pad for future careers in education. Fellows receive professional development, coaching, and direct classroom experience, all while making a difference in the lives of Cincinnati’s youngest learners. The program’s success speaks for itself:
📚 In the 2022-2023 school year, fellows helped 350 students develop fundamental literacy skills.
🎓 73% of fellows expressed interest in pursuing a career in education after completing the program.
The program is part of a bigger movement: helping young men see education as a viable and fulfilling career path while addressing the critical need for more Black male educators.
“I saw it as getting more Black men into classrooms is protection for Black children... they see what they can become... and they no longer question that because they have someone who looks like them in front of them in the classroom.”
— Carlton Collins, Program Manager for The Leading Men Fellowship in Cincinnati
By providing mentorship, real-world experience, and a pathway into college, this initiative is turning students into teachers—and shaping the future of education in Cincinnati.
Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing Racial Disparities in Teaching
Despite progress, the racial gap in Cincinnati’s teaching workforce is still stark. While Black students make up the majority of CPS enrollment, the overwhelming majority of teachers are White. CPS Superintendent Iranetta Wright has made it a priority to actively recruit more Black male educators by reaching out to universities, attending job fairs, and developing partnerships that foster a more diverse talent pipeline.
But it’s not just about hiring—it’s about retention. CPS is working to create a school environment where Black male educators feel supported and valued, ensuring they stay in the classroom for years to come.
Mentorship and Exposure: Guiding Students Toward Success
Mentorship is a powerful tool, and one Cincinnati educator is using it to change lives. Tyran Stallings, a former teacher, founded The D.A.D. Initiative after experiencing the loss of over 30 of his students to violence. His program, Black Futures, connects high school students with Black mentors in their chosen career fields—giving them role models, professional guidance, and a network of support.
The results? Young men who might otherwise feel trapped by their circumstances now have tangible career pathways and connections to help them succeed.
Building Educational Pathways: College and Career Support for Future Teachers
For aspiring teachers, Cincinnati is removing financial and academic barriers through partnerships with local colleges. The University of Cincinnati’s BIPOC Teacher Pathway Program provides structured support for Black, Indigenous, and people of color pursuing careers in education.
Additionally, partnerships between The Literacy Lab, Cincinnati State, and Mount St. Joseph University are giving Leading Men Fellows direct access to college credits and scholarships, making it easier for them to continue their education:
🏫 Cincinnati State – Fellows earn 9 college credits toward an associate degree in early childhood education.
🎓 Mount St. Joseph University – Fellows receive up to $80,000 in scholarships to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.
By offering financial aid, structured mentorship, and academic pathways, these programs ensure that young men of color don’t just enter education—they thrive in it.
Celebrating Black Male Educators and Creating Community Support
Recruitment and mentorship are critical, but so is recognition and celebration. Events like the Midwest Black Male Educator Summit bring together teachers, administrators, and community leaders to:
✅ Discuss recruitment and retention strategies
✅ Highlight the impact of Black male educators on student success
✅ Create a network of support for men in education
Similarly, The Barbershop Talk Series hosts conversations about education in a relaxed, community-driven setting, bringing men together to discuss the importance of representation in the classroom.
The Road Ahead: A More Diverse and Inclusive Future for Cincinnati’s Schools
The work being done in Cincinnati is not just about education—it’s about equity, opportunity, and shaping future generations. A diverse teaching workforce means more perspectives, better outcomes for students, and a stronger community overall.
The progress so far is inspiring, but there’s still work to be done. By recruiting, mentoring, celebrating, and financially supporting future educators, Cincinnati is proving that representation in education isn’t just important—it’s essential.
And for every young boy in a classroom who sees a teacher that looks like him, it means something even bigger:
A vision of what’s possible.
A future they can reach.
A role model who shows them the way.
That’s the power of education. That’s the power of representation. And that’s why Cincinnati’s male educators are changing lives—one student at a time.