Increasing the Number of African American Teachers and Administrators

The Community Group established its program the Dialogue on Race (DOR) in 2011-2012. It worked with a group of Montgomery County African Americans to identify the racial issues faced by blacks in Montgomery County. One of the five issues was education. The citizen group’s concerns within education were: African Americans have higher than average dropout rates. Achievement gaps between African Americans and whites still persist. There are too few African American role models as teachers or administrators. African American students receive differential disciplinary treatment (in comparison to whites).

The Community Group through the Dialogue on Race has worked now for eight years addressing these education concerns and recognize that the school system has made marked progress. One area, the lack of African American role models, in addition to outreach at state recruiting events is receiving attention through an innovative activity developed by the Community Group. Annually, TCG sponsors a dinner for prospective teachers who are considering employment by Montgomery County Public Schools. With special emphasis on African American candidates, the Community Group extends the welcome and hospitality of Montgomery County’s African American community. The message is “we invite and welcome you to our community. Join us in making ours a community that better serves its African American students.”

Community Group founding president and member of the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education, Penny J. Franklin, welcomes teacher candidates and invites them on behalf of the African American community to live and work in Montgomery County.
Community Group founding president and member of the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education, Penny J. Franklin, welcomes teacher candidates and invites them on behalf of the African American community to live and work in Montgomery County.
Deserts baked by Penny Franklin, not to be missed!
Director of Human Resources, Annie Whitaker, welcomes the teacher candidates and explains the special relationship between The Community Group and Montgomery County Public Schools. In the foreground, home made desserts by Penny Franklin. Not to be missed!
Superintendent Mark Miear addresses the gathered group to express appreciation to The Community Group
Superintendent Mark Miear expresses appreciation to The Community Group.

The strong working relationship between The Community Group and Montgomery County Public Schools has resulted in significant progress addressing the issues identified by The Community Group’s Dialogue on Race.