The Underrepresentation of Black Educators and Administrators in British Columbia’s Education System: Some Thoughts for Change

This paper discusses the underrepresentation of Black teachers and school administrators in the public school system in the province of British Columbia. It foregrounds the history and contribution of Black teachers to the education system. Drawing on Afrocentric theory, the paper presents the benefits of recruiting Black teachers and school administrators, which include addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse student population; and promoting culturally responsive pedagogy. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of teachers acknowledging the racial and cultural diversity of students and providing them with accurate accounts of Black history and knowledge devoid of colonial and Eurocentric knowledge privileging.