“Importance of Men in the Classroom” Community Conversation

Posted by Office of PA State Senator Vincent Hughes on September 2, 2025

As the US faces a national shortage of 400,000 educators, Senator Vincent Hughes and his wife, activist and actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph-Hughes, welcomed community members to the Free Library of Philadelphia for a discussion about the importance of increasing the number of male teachers, especially male teachers of color. The discussion was hosted in partnership with Read to Succeed and the Center for Black Educator Development.

Men now account for just 23% of US elementary and secondary school teachers. Only 2% of America’s teachers are Black men.

Research has shown that having a low number of male teachers in schools directly impacts students, particularly male students. Boys benefit from having a positive role model, especially when they lack one at home. A study from Johns Hopkins University found that having at least one Black teacher in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade reduced Black students’ likelihood of dropping out of school.

The panel featured advocates, educators, and William Stanford Davis, the actor best known for his role as “Mr. Johnson” on Abbott Elementary. Other panelists included Dr. Tony Watlington, Superintendent of the Philadelphia School District; Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Black Educator Development; and Brent Johnstone, Co-founder of FathersRead365. The conversation was moderated by Racquel Williams, KYW Newsradio Community Impact Reporter and host of Bridging Philly.