YOUNG BLACK EDUCATORS

A National Coalition of Black Educators Shifting Narratives & Shaping Policy

Young Black Educators (YBE) is a national coalition building collective power among Black educators to shape practice, influence policy, and shift the conditions facing Black students and teachers. We document what works, strengthen collective leadership, and protect the influence of Black educators in the profession.

Educators may be nominated by colleagues, school leaders, or may self-nominate.

If you know a Black educator whose classroom practice reflects excellence, commitment, and care for Black students, we invite you to share their name. If you believe your own work aligns with this mission, we welcome your interest.

Nominate an educator

Young Black Educators: National Coalition Founding Members

In 2026, YBE is establishing a national coalition of Black educators whose work has demonstrated meaningful impact with Black students, schools, and communities. Educators in select cities are invited to submit interest in serving as founding members of this coalition and must meet the following criteria:

  • Identify as a Black educator and demonstrate a commitment to advancing Black students, schools, and communities.

  • Have at least 3 years of classroom teaching experience in schools serving 50% or more Black students.

  • Currently serve as a classroom teacher or in a classroom-adjacent leadership role, including instructional coach, counselor, dean, assistant principal, or principal.

  • Are willing to reflect on practice, collaborate with peers, and contribute to a collective body of work.

These locations allow us to prioritize educators closest to the work while building a strong foundation for national expansion. Educators outside these cities are encouraged to submit interest to join the national board.

  • Atlanta

  • Baltimore

  • Chicago

  • Dallas

  • Detroit

  • Houston

  • Los Angeles

  • Memphis

  • New Orleans

  • New York City

  • Philadelphia

  • Washington D.C.

Nominate an educator

Founding Coalition Members

Founding Coalition Members will have the opportunity to:

1. Join a national community of Black educators grounded in shifting narratives on black education

2. Engage in structured reflection on classroom practice, educational leadership & policy

3. Document what is working for Black students and educators in real school contexts

4. Contribute to a collective body of knowledge that elevates Black educator expertise

5. Help shape the direction and strategies of the YBE coalition

Nominate an educator

Black educators must be at the forefront of deciding what works for our students, our schools, and our communities.

Young Black Educators (YBE) exists to ensure that the people closest to the classroom shape the strategies, standards, and decisions that move education forward. This coalition creates an ongoing space for collective learning, strategic dialogue, and coordinated action led by educators with demonstrated impact.

Rather than allowing a few voices to define direction, YBE organizes Black educators as a national body of practitioners and leaders who set priorities, develop solutions, and guide change from the ground up.

This work is about building shared leadership, sustaining momentum, and shaping the future of education with clarity, purpose, and collective power.

Why This Work Matters: