According to USA Facts, during the 2020-2021 school year, Black teachers made up 6.1% of the teaching population across all grades.
There were approximately 7.2 million Black students in US public schools during the 2020–2021 school year, according per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Black students accounted for 15% of all public schools.
The rest of the student body was 46% white, 28% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 4% multiracial, and 1% American Indian or Alaska Native.
Related Links:
Mount Saint Mary’s University – Profile, Rankings and Data | US News Best Colleges
A Legacy of Community Healing – Los Angeles Sentinel (lasentinel.net)
Mount Saint Mary’s University of Los Angeles recognizes the job of a teacher is selfless, life changing, and impactful. With the Bessie Bruington Burke Excellence in Black Teaching Award, allows individuals to nominate Black teachers, or themselves, across L.A. County that are making a huge difference at their school.
The university hosted a breakfast on Saturday, December 9, at the Doheny Mansion at the Mount’s Doheny campus, in Bessie Bruington Burke’s name to honor public educators who demonstrate commitment to social justice, serve the community outside of the classroom, effectively reach youth, model leadership for peers and colleagues, and connect with care.
Bessie Bruington Burke was the first African American teacher and principal in L.A. public schools. She earned her teaching certificate in 1911 from the Los Angeles Normal School, which is now UCLA, where she graduated at the top of her class. She served the community in many organizations including the YWCA, the NAACP, and as a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Mount Saint Mary’s selected five L.A. area teachers to receive this award and one teacher received a $5,000 scholarship in Mrs. Bruington Burke’s name. The opening reflection by Dr. Robin Owens encouraged attendees to speak the names of the teachers in their lives that left a positive impression on them regardless of grade. Saying their names aloud was an exercise for blessings and appreciation.
Host Dr. Kimberly Nao shared, “To all the honorees today, someone saw you. You were nominated and you exemplify the three lessons of our past in teaching that Mrs. Bruington Bruke stood for.”
The teachers that were honored were Chris Brinkley of Alexander Hamilton High School, Delyce Elam of St. Eugene’s Catholic School, La Tanya Manuel of Mid-City’s Prescott School of Enriches Sciences Magnet, Monique Marshall of Wildwood School, MissMary Vaughn of Hundall Elementary School, and Marguerita Drew of John Muir High School.
With the support of their friends and families, all the teachers were present to receive their award. A video from each of them at their respected schools shed light on their impact and gave insight to the brilliant work they do each day during the week.
Through this award, Black teachers are celebrated and recognized for their tremendous efforts.
Learn more about the Bessie Bruington Burke Excellence in Black Teaching scholarship program at https://www.msmu.edu/.
