As students return to school, the NBA Foundation is shining a light on the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED), an organization dedicated to increasing the number of Black teachers in classrooms. Research shows that when students see teachers who look like them, it can boost their confidence, sense of belonging, and chances for long-term success.
CBED’s mission is to create a clear and supportive path for aspiring Black educators. The organization provides guidance and resources to individuals from as early as ninth grade all the way through their first five years of teaching, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed and make a difference.
🌱 Nurturing Teachers from a Young Age
CBED’s support for future teachers begins early. The Freedom Schools Literacy Academy is a summer program that helps young children with their reading skills. At the same time, it gives high school and college students a chance to work in a classroom with an experienced mentor. This gives them valuable, hands-on teaching experience long before they finish their studies. For high schoolers who are serious about teaching, the four-year Teaching Academy offers a mix of special courses, college credits, and classroom experience with veteran teachers, fully preparing them for a career in education.
❤️ Teaching with Heart and Culture
CBED’s programs are deeply connected to the communities they serve. They focus on student-centered learning and culturally responsive teaching, which means understanding students’ backgrounds and making lessons relevant to their lives. By listening to students and including their perspectives, future educators learn to build stronger connections. “Our apprentices and fellows learn early on that teaching is about more than textbooks,” says Dr. Orpheus Williams, CBED’s Chief Programming Officer. “It’s about seeing your students, listening to them, and responding to what they truly need to succeed.”
🤝 Building a Strong Community
To provide a space for connection and support, CBED hosts the Black Men in Education Convening every November. This large, three-day national event brings together over 1,000 Black male educators from across the country. With inspiring speakers, workshops, and sessions on leadership and wellness, the event celebrates their important role in education. “For some young educators, this is the first time they’ve seen hundreds of Black male teachers in one place,” Dr. Williams notes. “It’s a powerful reminder that they are not alone.” This gathering helps build a strong, supportive network that lasts long after the event ends.
🚀 Looking to the Future
CBED is always planning for the future while making an impact today. The organization aims to expand its Teaching Academy to new cities by 2026 and grow its fellowship program to support 500 educators by 2029. Additionally, CBED is developing a new AI-powered online platform. This tool will offer teaching resources and create a digital community where educators can share ideas, find instructional tools, and receive support throughout their careers.
