A Phenomenological Study: African-American Males in the Educational Profession.

This phenomenological research study explored the perceptions and lived experiences of African-American male teachers related to the underrepresentation of African-American males in the teaching profession. The study was guided by four research questions. The data was collected from 15 African-American male teachers at the elementary school level, middle school level, high school level, administrator level, and retired level from a school system in southeast Georgia. Data collection occurred through teacher/retired teacher interviews and administrator interviews. The findings of the study showed the reasons for African-American males being underrepresented in the teaching profession is due to (a) low starting salary, (b) lack of eligible candidates, (c) perceived dishonor of the profession, and (4) the lack of positive promotion of the profession. Through the findings, the research study was able to identify four emergent themes aimed at reversing the trend of African-American males being underrepresented in the teaching profession. The factors are: (a) provide monetary/financial incentives, (2) provide positive exposure to the profession, (c) promote the profession in a positive light, and (d) increase community support. The participants expressed a desire for the educational world to fully embrace African-American male teachers and utilize their unique skills and abilities to have a positive impact on the lives of students, especially African-American males. The research study was not without limitations and further research on the topic was recommended.