SIRtify®

It’s been proven that representation makes a difference in a child’s life. According to a study published in the American Economic Journal, Black boys with a Black male elementary school teacher were 29% less likely to drop out of school years later, and those from very low-income families were 39% less likely to drop out of school if they had a Black male teacher. According to the Department of Education, only 2% of teachers in the country are Black men. In Minnesota, just 0.5% of teachers are Black males.

The SIRtify® program envisions a world where all elementary and secondary students have a level playing field by having teachers who share their backgrounds and experiences. Our program seeks to empower Black men in education to have a positive impact on all students, especially those from similar backgrounds. Normandale does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin, and all are welcome to apply.

More information about SIRtify® can be found at https://www.normandale.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/elementary-education-foundation/sirtify.html or by emailing sirtify@normandale.edu.