My Brother’s Keeper Yonkers and Monroe University Partner to Launch Innovative Teacher Preparation Network

We are very excited to share news of an exciting new venture with Yonkers MBK and Yonkers Public Schools to encourage more young men to pursue careers as teachers -- and to help them prepare for career success. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly eight out of every 10 public school teachers in the United States are white, even though students of color now make up more than half of the nation’s public school enrollment. This growing demographic gap between educators and students has significant implications, as research shows that students benefit both academically and socially when they are taught by teachers who share their racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. Such benefits include higher academic achievement, improved graduation rates, stronger self-esteem, and a greater sense of belonging in school. 

Despite these findings, educators of color—and particularly male teachers of color—remain disproportionately underrepresented in classrooms across the country. This underrepresentation not only limits students’ exposure to diverse role models but also underscores the urgent need for more inclusive and equitable teacher recruitment and retention efforts in the education system. 

Our exciting new partnership with Yonkers MBK seeks to make an impact in this area, as outlined in Yonkers MBK's news release below. 
 

My Brother’s Keeper Yonkers and Monroe University Partner to Launch Innovative Teacher Preparation Network

My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Yonkers and Monroe University joined forces to launch the Monroe University MBK Yonkers Teacher Preparation Network, a transformative initiative aimed at inspiring Yonkers students to pursue careers in education. Through Monroe’s CAEP-accredited undergraduate program—offering certification in early childhood or childhood education with an optional bilingual extension in Spanish—students receive hands-on training, start fieldwork in their freshman year, and can complete the program in under three years.

Courses are interactive and modeled on the pedagogical skills students will use in their own classrooms, and the program is designed to support students from high school through to graduation as certified teachers.

The program allows MBK Yonkers students to explore teaching as a viable career path while earning high school and college credits. Undergraduate students who are recipients of this grant can receive free tuition, along with additional benefits such as coverage for certification exam and fingerprinting fees, access to extra workshops, and a dedicated faculty mentor who will support them through graduation. The initiative is designed to build long-term interest in the profession by creating early opportunities for exposure, support, and meaningful engagement.

Monroe University’s program also offers a supportive cohort model that helps students transition smoothly from high school to higher education. Certification test prep is embedded into coursework, and students are guided toward employment as head teachers after graduation.

Graduates can also seamlessly transition into Monroe’s graduate education programs to pursue additional certifications and increase long-term salary potential.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 80% of public school teachers are white, while students of color make up over half of the student population. Research shows that students benefit academically and socially from having teachers who reflect their racial and cultural backgrounds – yet male educators of color remain especially underrepresented in classrooms across the country.

“This partnership is an investment in the future of education in Yonkers,” said Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. “By creating early opportunities for our students to explore careers in teaching – especially in communities that need representation the most – we’re helping build a pipeline of educators who reflect the strength and diversity of our schools.”

“Representation in the classroom is a necessity and this initiative seeks to change that,” said Dr. Jason Baez, Executive Director of MBK Yonkers. “I started my career as a teacher, so I know how impactful it is when students learn from someone who shares their background. It makes teaching feel real and worth pursuing. We’re creating the conditions for more equitable, inspiring classrooms for all students.

“We are so proud to partner with Yonkers Public Schools and MBK Yonkers on this important initiative to inspire young men to pursue rewarding careers in education,” said President Jerome. “Through this initiative, we are investing in the future of our classrooms and our communities – creating a more diverse, inclusive, and representative teaching workforce that reflects the students it serves.”

By empowering Yonkers students to envision teaching as a respected and meaningful profession, MBK Yonkers and Monroe University are laying essential groundwork for a brighter future. The Monroe University MBK Yonkers Teacher Preparation Network is a significant step toward ensuring every student in Yonkers benefits from a representative, inclusive, and equitable educational experience.

Students interested in joining the Monroe University MBK Yonkers Teacher Preparation Network can sign up here.

About My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Yonkers

My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Yonkers empowers young men of color by providing mentorship, educational support, and leadership opportunities. In partnership with Yonkers Public Schools and local organizations, MBK Yonkers has helped the district achieve the highest on-time graduation rate for young men of color in New York State. This commitment has earned MBK Yonkers the distinction of being one of only four MBK Model Communities nationwide recognized by the Obama Foundation.

MBK Yonkers helps students reach six key milestones from early education to career readiness. Through its MBK Fellows and mentorship programs, MBK Yonkers fosters equity and opportunity, ensuring all young people can succeed.

For more information, visit yonkerspublicschools.org/mbk.