“[Being a black educator] gives students a hero they can interact with everyday.”

Mr. Amondre Johnson

2nd Grade, History Teacher, Football Coach, Paraprofessional, Substitute Teacher

Short Stories of Black History Podcast

“[There’s] better understanding and compassion between a black teacher and a black student.”

Amondre Johnson grew up in Roanoke, VA. He got his BA in History, played for the NFL and then came back to get a masters in Curriculum & Instruction – where his cohort consisted of 24 white women and him. He was the first black male to graduate from this program! He knew he wanted to be a teacher and against all odds, he worked hard to do just that.

“Black males make up only 2% of the teacher population.”

Although he grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood, Amondre didn’t have a black male teacher until high school. In his time working with black student he’s seen how crucial his presence is, from diverting hair disasters and being school dad, to teaching critical thinking skills to second graders. And just like a hero, he doesn’t shy away from hard topics & challenges. His podcast, “Short Stories of Black History”, was created to further these discussions and embrace our experiences.

For more information, find his podcast on Spotify and Anchor @ Short Stories of Black History, or reach out to him at ehshortstories@gmail.com.