A blueprint for Black excellence in education (teacher edition)

The last time I was in the classroom full-time was during the 2015–2016 school year, and the profession has transformed drastically since then. Teaching has become more polarized and more demanding, whether through the challenges of pandemic shutdowns and remote learning, the banning of books, or the looming risk of teachers losing their jobs or licenses for sharing opinions on controversial political issues.

Today, teaching, especially in schools that serve Black students, demands far more than simply delivering lessons. It requires a commitment to equity, the affirmation of culture and a relentless belief in every student’s potential to learn.

The first quarter is behind us, and educators have an opportunity to pause, reset expectations and strengthen their impact. Here are five strategies to ensure that you and your students continue to thrive in the next quarter and the rest of the school year.

5 actionable tips for teachers:

1. Revisit and reset expectations: Reintroduce the norms and classroom expectations you established at the start of the year. Take that anchor chart down from the wall and review it with students. A lot has happened since then, and everyone can benefit from a refresher. This doesn’t have to take long – just a whole-class reset to reaffirm what matters. Remember, students deserve clarity and consistency.

2. Incorporate culturally relevant content: Don’t wait until February to launch the Black history project or pull out those texts you planned for Black History Month; introduce them now. Create safe and brave spaces where students’ identities are affirmed, represented and protected.

3. Engage families as partners: Don’t limit family engagement to parent-teacher conferences. When you meet with families, talk with them, not at them. Share what you need from them to support their child and ask what they need at home to reinforce learning. Treat families as equal partners in their child’s education.

4. Stay informed and advocate: Stay current on what’s happening in education locally and nationally. Don’t rely solely on your principal’s Sunday updates or newsletters for policy changes. Read the information for yourself. Subscribe to trusted education news outlets. Attend school board meetings or at least review the board documents. Strive to get information firsthand, not secondhand.

5. Prioritize self-care and growth: Use your PTO, it’s there for a reason. Be strategic about when you take it. Invest in a hobby that takes your mind off the classroom. Make it a goal to leave work before dark, and avoid working on weekends, especially Sundays. Protect your energy so you can bring your best self to your students.

Teachers, your commitment to high expectations, cultural relevance and authentic partnership with families transforms classrooms into spaces of endless student possibilities. As you wrap up the first quarter and sprint into the second, take some time to reset. Remember that every lesson, every word of encouragement, and every act of advocacy shapes the trajectory of your students’ lives.

Be on the lookout for the final installment of the series, which focuses on administrators. 

David McGuire, Ed.D., is the Principal at Rooted School Indy, an education reporter and host of The Recess Podcast.

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Dr. David McGuire is an educator and education reporter. He attended school in Indianapolis, K-12, and is a graduate of Central State University and holds advanced degrees from Indiana Wesleyan University and Marian University. In addition to his work as an educator, he also navigates the education system as a parent.