Teaching shortages nationwide severely impact schools and classrooms, leaving students to pay a price. As school districts struggle to retain teachers, especially Black and Brown educators, BIPOC students feel the impact of teacher shortages the hardest.  

In Colorado, the diversity gap between teachers and students is wide. Despite nearly half of state's student population being comprised of predominately Black and Brown children, 87% of Colorado educators are white. 

Coloradan educators Summer Frazier and Justice McGhee recognized the importance of BIPOC  representation in the classroom and knew they had to be a part of the change to give Denver students the education they deserve. 

Classroom Diversity Encourages Students to Be Their Most Authentic Self

Justice McGhee comes from a long line of educators. His aunt, cousin and godmother were all teachers. Growing up around educators showed McGhee the challenges and rewards of being a Black educator. Now an educator himself, he understands the emotional tax a lack of BIPOC representation in schools can have on both students and their teachers. 

“So often, the Black boys and girls are left out of [groups] because they don’t have educators who are willing to rock the clothes, talk about the music they listen to and dance with them,” McGhee said. “I never had that experience. I never had the ability in school to be fully, authentically Black.” 

McGhee knew he had the ability to make Black and Brown students feel seen, so he embarked on his journey to become a teacher. When he entered a new classroom, he faced a few personal challenges. 

Despite this, he remained determined. He had a strong support system in his Relay program. “There were more Black educators in Relay, so I saw people [who] looked like me," McGhee said. "They are doing the work. Relay made me feel safe and comfortable and ready and part of the community." 

Representation in the Classroom Begins with Teacher Preparation 

For Summer Frazier, the journey to the classroom was murky. Initially, she began her career working for IBM. Shortly after she became a mother and focused on her family.  During the decade she spent raising her children, she volunteered in their classrooms. This sparked her love for teaching. 

Through her volunteer work, Frazier was introduced to TEACH Colorado and the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). TEACH Colorado provides free coaching, information on teacher preparation programs, and financial support to anyone across Colorado considering teaching. 

At first, Frazier was unsure if she could afford to attend PEBC's teacher preparation program. However, one of the school's administrators encouraged her to apply and seek financial assistance. Remembering her love for uplifting her students in the classroom, she heeded the administrator's advice. 

PEBC gave a Frazier a stipend that covered the full cost of her tuition. She used some of the residual funds left over to help out her family.  “That was a big deal for me," She said. "It was something for my family.”

The PEBC teacher preparation program taught Frazier how to make natural connections between lessons and her life experiences in a way that complemented her personality and honored her upbringing. This teaching method allowed her to better relate to her students who share similar experiences. 

The Power of Paying It Forward 

For both McGhee and Frazier, their upbringings, teaching journeys and positive connections with their students inspired them to help Black and Brown Coloradans join the teaching field.

While they know the importance of recruiting and retaining educators of color, they also recognize that it isn't always the easiest task. Being a teacher of color had its own set of challenges — some of which they've personally faced. 

McGhee noted that when he first began teaching, he didn't always have the most pleasant experiences. “Being a BIPOC educator, and coming into a school that is predominantly white women – you’re a man first, and then you’re a Black man. I faced a lot of adversity coming in," He said. 

Frazier noted how a Black professional's financial upbringing can also impact their decision to become a teacher. “Most Black professionals are in [their careers] because they’re first generational-income,” said Frazier. “Black tax holds them back from pursuing teaching.” The term "Black tax" refers to the financial burden that some Black professionals face being the primary breadwinner or caretaker for family members who earn less. 

Despite this, both educators believe that Black and Brown professionals have the power to encourage students to become the best versions of themselves — and they're using their teaching platforms to bring more teaching diversity to Coloradan school districts. 

“[Teaching] can be the greatest gift in the world,” said Frazier. “I’ve seen it for myself. When a student says, ‘Ms. Frazier, you know I did this for you,' they are taking their accomplishments and they are taking you with them.” 

Justice McGhee is a licensure coach with TEACH Colorado, and he is ready to answer your questions about becoming a Colorado educator. Sign up for a free, 20-minute advising call with him today.