Black Teachers in Charleston, SC Have the Highest Morale: The Untold Story

Black Teachers in Charleston, SC Have the Highest Morale: The Untold Story

Black teachers have one of the highest rates of turnover in the profession—yet new survey data show that they also have the highest job-related morale. As district leaders and policymakers work to diversify the teaching profession, the tension between those two trends is a central piece of the puzzle. Black teachers, who make up just 6.1 percent of the workforce, tend to find their work meaningful and fulfilling, which can lead to higher morale. Even so, their dedication to students can feel all-encompassing—and the stresses of the job, combined with the challenges of working in a predominately white field, can push them out of the classroom before they’re ready.

Dedication Amidst Challenges

“I came into this profession seeking a particular outcome, wanting to make a difference, wanting to push the needle, wanting to prepare my students for the world,” said Genelle Faulkner, a high school science teacher in Boston. “I see my students as a reflection of me—all my potential, with all the places I could get to. I want to make sure that all the doors possible are open for them.”

That commitment can lead to burnout, she said: “It’s a lot of pressure on yourself. It’s a lot of work, it’s a lot of energy. … I think the job overall is very unsustainable, especially as a teacher of color.”

The Survey Findings

The Education Week State of Teaching survey found that Black teachers have a morale score of +5, suggesting they feel more positively than negatively about their jobs. Research confirms that having Black teachers in classrooms matters, especially for Black students, although students of all races and ethnicities benefit.

Black teachers were significantly more likely to say that they are respected and seen as professionals by the general public—at 79 percent, compared to 58 percent of Hispanic teachers and 53 percent of white teachers.

Challenges Faced

One potential explanation for the high turnover rate among Black teachers is burnout. The survey found that Black teachers typically work the most, at 65 hours per week. Hispanic teachers report 64-hour work weeks, and white teachers report 56-hour work weeks.

Conclusion

Experts say the findings about higher morale among Black teachers should serve as a call to action for school and district leaders and policymakers. Retaining Black educators should be a priority, as they bring hope, inspiration, and added value to the classroom. Addressing the challenges faced by Black teachers is essential to ensure they continue to make a meaningful impact.