Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/776907
BOYS TO MEN Kevin Jennings Oakland Education Association M A N H O O D D E V E L O P M E N T F A C I L I T A T O R Montera Middle School " I choose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?" — Nina Simone "I am ready to be focused and engaged," the boys recite as class begins. That means sitting up straight, paying attention, listening and participat- ing. It's "dress for success day," so they wear shirts and ties. The Manhood Development class at Montera (and other Oakland campuses) addresses the needs of African American boys, who traditionally have the lowest GPA and graduation rate, and the high- est suspension rate. Created in 2010, it is sponsored by Oakland Unified School District's Office of African American Male Achievement. The course looks at black history and culture from ancient civilizations to con- temporary media. Students study how society 's negative cultural stereotypes and expectations for black males can be devastating to self-image. The goal, of course, is proving that stereotype wrong. Teacher Kevin Jennings is an excellent role model. A product of Oakland public schools, he returned to his community to make a difference. He understands challenges his students face growing up in poverty and living in dangerous neigh- borhoods. Some never had a positive male role model before in their lives. Prior to teaching, Jennings was a journalist covering the celebrity beat in Los Angeles. Teaching boys how to be men is much more fulfilling, he says with a smile. " When I was offered an opportu- nity by my former Spanish teacher at McClymonds High School, I jumped at the opportunity," says Jennings. "What I love about this job is that I get to see a lot of results daily — and also over time." His goal is having them become lead- ers so they can advocate for themselves. If a student feels something is unfair, he can talk with staff or his peers to resolve it. Students learn self-control and how to redirect strong emotions that might get them in trouble. They are taught that real men treat women with respect. They are encouraged to serve in school and district leadership committees and share ideas and viewpoints. It's more than a class; it's a broth- erhood where students support and encourage each other to make positive choices. As a result, many of their grades in other classes have improved. "I like this class a lot," says Rahsaan Smith. "I can be myself and feel comfort- able having a teacher the same race as me. He's a role model. He sets a standard for African American males in Oakland by teaching us values and responsibility. You don't have to be famous like Mal- colm X or Martin Luther King to make a difference. Mr. Kevin is making a differ- ence right here." " What I love about this job is that I get to see a lot of results daily — and also over time." 24 cta.org