Dr. Ernest Black is the current Systemwide Director for the CalStateTEACH program, a multiple subject program in the California State University System. He earned his doctorate in education from the University of Southern California, master’s degree from National University and bachelors of arts degree from Western Michigan University. He has contributed to the development of programs and policy to increase the numbers of African American and Latino males into the teaching profession. He has participated in the Network Improvement Committee of AACTE on the topic. He is also involved with the Policy Committee of the California Council of Teacher Educators (CCTE). In addition to participating with CCTE as a board member, he is currently also on the boards of California Teacher Corps (CTC) and Center for Reaching and Teaching the Whole Child (CRWTC).
Dr. Black has spent over 20 years in education. Before earning his doctorate, he started as K-12 teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He has taught at both the elementary and high school levels in South Central Los Angeles. Currently, his focus is on retention of Black and Latinx males in the education profession. His most recent publication is
Desperate Measures: How Teacher Preparation Programs can Engage and Retain Black Male Teacher Candidates. Educational Renaissance, Vol 9, 28-35 (2020). He also provides professional development for educators to increase academic achievement for Black male students in K-12 environments and professional development for Black male retention for educator preparation programs.