Dominique Lee is the CEO of BRICK Education Network, a charter management organization based in Newark, New Jersey, which invests in children and their caregivers to relentlessly knock down all barriers to students’ academic success.

The American education system is at a crossroads. We are facing a national crisis characterized by a shortage of educators, particularly those willing to take the reins and lead. This trend seems to disproportionately affect Black leaders. While Black women typically over-index in educational leadership, Black men are woefully underrepresented, and overall, there are significantly fewer Black leaders in K-12 education, in comparison to white leaders. 

As we celebrate and honor teachers and educational leaders throughout this month and every day, let’s celebrate our current leaders while acknowledging the urgent need for more Black leadership in our schools. Studies have shown that students, regardless of background, perform better academically with at least one Black educator and under the leadership of Black principals.  It’s more than just academic outcomes, however. Black students need to see themselves reflected in leadership positions. This type of visibility can shatter limiting beliefs and ignite a fire within students, showing them the possibilities available to them. When they look at their teachers, they see more than educators. They see role models who have a deep understanding of their cultural experiences and the unique challenges perpetuated by systemic inequity. 

For generations, Black leaders have been on the front lines of the fight for fair opportunities in education. We owe a great deal to those who worked tirelessly to empower Black children through schooling. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board decision, a pivotal moment in our fight for educational equity. While there’s still a great deal of progress to be made, without the dedication of the Black educators who came before us, we wouldn’t have made such significant progress. We should see their legacy as inspiration as we work to prioritize support for the next generation of Black education leaders. We must move forward with a strong commitment to creating environments where young Black leaders can thrive, despite the challenges they may encounter.

The Root of the Problem:  A Broken System

The current state of affairs in education is disheartening. Many potential Black leaders are understandably discouraged by a profession that is often disrespected and under-resourced.  Classrooms are overcrowded, and educators are burdened by the pressure of pushing students to perform well on standardized testing while teaching a curriculum that often fails to reflect the richness of Black history and culture.  

Prohibitive training costs are a major hurdle in an already overworked and underpaid profession. Low salaries coupled with a lack of administrative support create a pressure cooker environment that fosters burnout. We must fundamentally change this narrative.  We need scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs specifically geared toward aspiring Black leaders. This would bolster economic mobility, and have a domino effect within the communities that surround and support our schools. We need the financial support of those in our cities and communities who stand to benefit from the boost that effective education can provide to the workforce.

Investment, however, must begin with us as educators. As current leaders, we have a responsibility to dismantle the barriers hindering talented young educators from becoming successful leaders.  We must do our part, and understand that leadership development goes beyond just acquiring skills.  We should be championing, developing, and serving in mentorship programs that connect aspiring Black leaders with experienced Black educators.  Mentorship provides invaluable guidance, fosters the sharing of best practices, and offers emotional support as young leaders navigate the challenges of the profession. We have the power to break the cycle and become the kind of support we needed on our journey. 

Building a Pipeline for Success:  From Classrooms to Leadership Positions

At BRICK Education Network, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Black leadership. Gateway Academy in Newark, New Jersey, with its predominantly Black and Brown student body, thrives under the visionary guidance of three incredible Black female principals.  These leaders understand the unique needs and cultural backgrounds of our students, fostering a nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and ignites a passion for learning.  Similarly, BRICK Buffalo Academy prioritizes leaders who not only understand the data-driven needs of the Buffalo Eastside community but who can also connect with and inspire its Black and Brown students.

A Collective Call to Action:  Investing in the Future

We, as leaders, must become not just educators, but ambassadors for our profession.  Many of us have tirelessly dedicated ourselves to our communities. We’ve spent decades pouring our hearts and souls into shaping young minds. However, without nurturing the next generation of leaders, our work risks being incomplete. 

It’s time to enlist the support of our communities, alumni networks, and corporate partners to invest in the next generation of Black educational leaders.  This isn’t just for us; it’s for the generations to come.  

Let’s work together to bridge the gap.  Let’s ensure our schools are led by those who represent the diversity of our student body and who understand the unique needs of Black students. We need Black leaders who can not only close the achievement gap but also cultivate a love of learning and empower students to become future leaders themselves. Together, we can build the pipeline we need to create the change we envision. The future of education depends on it.