Milwaukee school expands diverse teacher representation to inspire and empower students
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - A school on Milwaukee’s north side is working to change what representation in the classroom looks like by ensuring students see role models who reflect their own backgrounds.
Leaders at Milwaukee Academy of Science, which educates students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, says the goal is simple: help students connect with educators who look like them and understand their experiences.
Over the last few years, the school has doubled the number of educators of color on staff. In the past two years, leaders also doubled the number of male educators of color in classrooms.
Chief Academic Officer Lita Mallett said the effort is about creating meaningful connections between teachers and students.
“It’s important to have staff that come from the community, that look like them, that can not only connect and build relationships with but also aspire to become just like them,” she said.
For students, the change is already making an impact.
“Seeing that representation shows me there’s a lot more that I’m able to do,” said Rayhainio Boynes, 10th grader. “Being my color, race, gender, it shows me that there’s a lot of possibilities and things I can do in the future.”
Teachers say representation can help students picture new opportunities for themselves.
“Students need black male figures, black women figures, they need all people of color figures,” teacher Andre Bright said. “It’s not just about being of color, it’s about relating to the students.”
Boynes said that connection is something he feels with Bright.
“With people like my teacher Mr. Bright, I find him similar to myself in a lot of ways,” he said. “I could see myself being him one day.”
Bright said those relationships allow educators to model the future they hope students will pursue.
“When you see how articulate I am, how I carry myself, how much love I pour into you it’s like I’m role modeling how I want you to be in the near future,” he said.
School leaders say efforts like this aim to help ensure every student sees a bright path ahead.
