(Name-mce) ListServ Black teachers face bullying and racism, survey finds

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Black teachers face bullying and racism, survey finds
Hugh Muir
Friday September 08 2006
The Guardian


Ministers are facing calls for a public inquiry into racism in schools after
claims from black teachers that they face widespread discrimination and
bullying.

A landmark report will call for a formal investigation - akin to the Stephen
Lawrence inquiry into policing - to address concerns that black teachers are
isolated, maligned and robbed of proper pay and status. The study,
commissioned by Ken Livingstone, the mayor of London, links the plight of
black teachers to the continuing problem of underachievement among black
pupils.

Even many black headteachers feel unsupported and marginalised, it says.
Though many praised the help they receive from white colleagues and mentors,
others told researchers their colleagues had lower expectations of black
pupils.

They nevertheless felt obliged in many cases to endure unfair treatment.
Those who quit schools or the profession carried a "burden of guilt that
they had somehow 'let black kids down'."

Black staff account for 1.5% of teachers in England and 7% in London. While
45% have qualified teacher status, only 4% become headteachers or deputy
heads.

The report, compiled by researchers at London Metropolitan University, says:
"Racism has a major impact on the everyday experiences of black teachers. To
encourage more black people to become teachers, racism in schools must be
challenged." One of the 60 teachers involved in focus group interviews
reported feeling worn down by circumstances. "When you think of a black
teacher with high blood pressure; that's normal now. We're stressed out of
our minds. All of this you have to endure each day."

Mr Livingstone says more has to be done to make schools better for aspiring
black teachers. "It cannot be right that in some of our boroughs 48 to 50%
of the pupils are black yet only 16 to 18% of the teachers that teach them
are of similar heritage."

The report, to be unveiled at tomorrow's London Schools and the Black Child
conference, claims the recruitment of black teachers is an uphill struggle.
One head told researchers of "times when I have been trying to recruit black
staff and you have the entire governing body almost looking in your face and
saying 'not in our school'. Even when they are the best candidate!"

Last year, 41.7% of black Caribbean students and 48.3 % of black African
students gained five or more GCSE passes at grade A to C, reflecting
continuing improvement since 1993 but still below the national average of
62.4%.

Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who convened
the conference, said: "This report reveals the depth of the institutional
racism that teachers face. It is an important issue because good black
teachers have a vital role to play in raising educational achievement."

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