News
We interviewed 30 Black public school teachers in Philadelphia to understand why so many are leaving the profession
Lynnette Mawhinney, Rutgers University – Newark and Leana Cabral, Columbia University
Tracey, a high school teacher in the Philadelphia School District, remembers the hurtful comments she heard from parents when she started her career over a decade ago as a young Black teacher in what was then a predominantly white area of southwest Philly.
“I can recall white parents making comments saying, ‘Oh, this young Black teacher who doesn’t have children herself – how is she supposed to teach my child?” she said. “And I’m like, what does my race and the fact that I don’t have children have to do with me educating your child?”
Tracey’s frustrations mirror those of other Black teachers in Philadelphia.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the teaching profession faced what has been referred to as the Great Teacher Resignation. A national survey found that 64% of teachers were less satisfied with teaching after the pandemic compared with prior to the pandemic, and 74% would not recommend teaching as a career.
In Philadelphia, a great resignation of Black teachers started well before the pandemic and continues today. The decrease in numbers of Black teachers in the district continues despite research that demonstrates Black teachers’ positive impact on Black students’ experiences in school and academic outcomes, as well as their positive impact on all students.
We are a professor of urban education and a Ph.D. in sociology and education who research Black teacher attrition and other issues involving Black teachers and Black students.
In 2021, we were part of a small research team that interviewed 30 Black teachers who either currently or formerly worked in the School District of Philadelphia. Tracey and other names used in this article are pseudonyms to protect the anonymity of our interview participants. This study was done in partnership with Research for Action, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit education research group focused on racial and social justice. Our findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Black Studies.
We wanted to understand, from the teachers’ perspectives, why so many Black teachers are leaving the district and what the district can do to support and retain them.
Black teachers have ‘grown weary’
In 2000, there were 4,059 Black teachers in the district. That number had dwindled to 2,866 by 2022.
It’s not an issue that is unique to Philadelphia. An education researcher at Penn State University found that between 2022 and 2023, the attrition rate for Black teachers across Pennsylvania was well over double that of white teachers.
“Black public school educators in Philadelphia have grown weary, for good reason,” wrote education scholar and author Camika Royal in her 2022 book “Not Paved for Us: Black Educators and Public School Reform in Philadelphia.”
Our interviews suggest a key reason for this weariness has to do with experiences of racism within the larger school district that affect Black teachers across the system, but manifest differently depending on their schools’ locations.
Segregated, underfunded schools
The Black teachers we interviewed who taught in neighborhoods with a majority of Black residents said they faced systemic racism through lack of resources, including books and classroom materials, for their students.
Philadelphia is one of the most racially divided cities in the U.S.. Among the nation’s 30 largest cities, it ranks second after Chicago in terms of residential segregation, according to researchers at Brown University. Schools reflect these neighborhood racial divides.
“I request things all the time and don’t get them,” said Nina, a middle school teacher in a majority Black neighborhood, “Well, there wasn’t enough books for all the kids. So, what I’m supposed to do? Now I have to go online, find my own resources and things like that.”
Racial microaggressions
Black teachers who taught in majority white sections of the city, meanwhile, spoke of their frustration with being the targets of chronic racial microaggressions.
Examples of these microaggressions included hearing white parents complain about a Black teacher being assigned to teach their child, and working with white colleagues whom they felt ignored or actively avoided speaking to or acknowledging them.
“I’m walking down the hall and I say ‘Hello,’” one mid-career teacher reflected. “If it’s just me and a white colleague and we’re passing each other in the hallway … then they don’t say anything to me. But the person behind me who was white, they’ll say something to them before (the other person) even say(s), ‘Good morning.’”
Racial microaggressions toward Black teachers is certainly not a new phenomenon. Nor is it limited to Philadelphia.
A recent nationwide survey also found that racial microaggressions are a major reason Black teachers across the U.S. are leaving teaching at high rates.
Support and validation
Despite the many systemic issues and experiences of racism that Black teachers reported to us, most of the participants in our study – 25 out of 30 – were current teachers in the district.
In other words, they had, so far, stayed in the profession.
These teachers reported they kept teaching because they were committed to students, particularly students of color.
“I stay because our (Black students), they need to see (Black teachers) in the classroom,” said Mila, a veteran teacher for whom teaching was her third career.
Many of the teachers also found support and motivation through affinity groups that provide them opportunities to meaningfully connect to other Black teachers. These groups are established by fellow teachers in the district but are organized independently of the district.
“What allowed me to stay was finding networks,” said Simon, another veteran teacher in the district. “And then the network kind of made me find my niche, find my voice, find who I was, validate me.”
Keeping Black teachers in the classroom
Education scholar Bettina Love argues that school districts and school officials should “stop trying to recruit Black teachers until you can retain the ones you have.”
Some meaningful efforts are underway. The Center for Black Educator Development, founded in Philadelphia, works to recruit and retain Black teachers both in Philadelphia and across the country. Other nationwide organizations, such as the Black Teacher Project based in Oakland, offer fellowship and space for supportive affinity groups.
School districts or administrators can offer Black teachers physical spaces, financial resources and dedicated time to meet with other Black teachers to discuss racism – including ways to resist it – along with self-care. This can help prevent an exodus of the Black teachers who have remained in the profession.
Lynnette Mawhinney, Professor of Urban Education and Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Academic Initiatives, Rutgers University – Newark and Leana Cabral, Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology and Education, Columbia University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
recipes
Cozy Up with Comforting Soups and Stews
Comforting Soups and Stews: As temperatures drop, few meals warm you from the inside out quite like Beef Stew with Rice or Hearty Rice Minestrone Soup. These comforting favorites deliver delicious flavor to the family table, and better yet, they don’t require much time in the kitchen, making them particularly practical for busy weekdays.
Cozy Up with Comforting Soups and Stews
(Feature Impact) As temperatures drop, few meals warm you from the inside out quite like a hearty bowl of soup or stew. These comforting favorites deliver delicious flavor to the family table, and better yet, they don’t require much time in the kitchen, making them particularly practical for busy weekdays.
With a few convenient staples on hand, like Minute Instant White Rice, you can prepare satisfying meals in a cinch. This rice is known for its light, fluffy texture; short, easy prep; and quick cook time.
It’s made with one simple ingredient – USA-grown rice – then precooked and dried with nothing added but convenience, making it a practical addition to this classic Beef Stew and Rice recipe. Bursting with tender beef and hearty vegetables, this filling stew offers a classic option that’s both quick and comforting, ideal for saving time after school and a day in the office as the pressure cooker does the work for you.
For another cozy meal that’s pressure-cooked to perfection, Hearty Rice Minestrone Soup brings together beans, tomatoes and spices in a rustic Italian-inspired dish. It’s pure comfort and warmth in a bowl, requiring just 30 minutes total for an approachable dinner when you’re in a pinch.
An aromatic touch is added from Minute Instant Jasmine Rice, known for its distinctive scent, perfect texture and delicious taste. Sweet and buttery, it’s fast, fragrant and flavorful to help you on your mission to make quick meals so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying with loved ones.
Find more comforting meal ideas by visiting MinuteRice.com.
Beef Stew with Rice
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup Minute Instant White Rice
- fresh parsley, for garnish
- In bottom of pressure cooker, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In same pot, add onion and garlic. Saute about 2 minutes.
- Return beef to pot. Add potatoes, carrots and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Close lid and set valve to sealing. Select pressure cook or manual and set timer for 35 minutes. Once cooking time is up, let pressure release naturally about 10 minutes then carefully switch valve to venting to release remaining pressure.
- Prepare rice according to package directions.
- Open lid, stir cooked rice into stew and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Garnish with parsley.
Hearty Rice Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (19 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup Minute Jasmine Rice
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Set pressure cooker to saute setting over high heat. Heat oil. Add carrot, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper; cook 3-5 minutes, or until starting to soften. Stir in broth and tomatoes.
- Lock lid and move pressure valve to sealing. Select pressure cook on high 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, manually release pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully remove lid.
- Set pressure cooker to saute setting over high heat; bring to boil. Stir in beans and kale; cook 2 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in rice. Set pressure cooker to warm setting. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, basil and red chili flakes.
Substitutions: Use Romano beans for cannellini beans. Make vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
SOURCE:
Automotive
The New Tire-Buying Playbook: AI Insights Meet Human Advice
New Tire-Buying Playbook: A tire purchase can start with a familiar moment: a dashboard warning light, a repair shop visit, worn tread or realizing the current set is nearing a mileage milestone. When it’s time to replace tires, drivers have more ways than ever to research options, including classic search engines and AI chatbots.
The New Tire-Buying Playbook: AI Insights Meet Human Advice
(Feature Impact) A tire purchase can start with a familiar moment: a dashboard warning light, a repair shop visit, worn tread or realizing the current set is nearing a mileage milestone. When it’s time to replace tires, drivers have more ways than ever to research options.
New research from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey found drivers are utilizing multiple methods for research, from search engines and AI assistants to asking someone they trust for advice. Two-thirds of respondents said they always or often research multiple sources before buying tires, suggesting many shoppers want to weigh several opinions before deciding to buy a new set, including turning to fellow drivers.
As tools like classic search engines and AI chatbots continue to evolve, the most useful strategy for tire shopping may be less about choosing between technology and human expertise, and more about knowing how each fits into the research process. Here are a few ways drivers can confidently conduct tire research.
Start broad then narrow the search.
For many drivers, the process begins online. One-quarter of respondents said they typically begin their tire research with a search engine, the most common starting point reported in the survey. Retailer or dealer websites are the next at 16%, followed by recommendations from a mechanic at 15%.
That range of starting points reflects how personal a tire purchase can be. A search engine can help a driver organize initial questions and identify the types of information they want to compare. Retailer and dealer sites offer another place to review available options – and reviews from other drivers. A mechanic can help put the vehicle and driver’s specific needs into context.
Drivers can also use their initial search to create a short list of requirements, such as tire size, type and available warranties.
Use AI as one research tool – but not the only one.
AI is a growing part of any research. About 4 in 10 drivers (42%) said they have used an AI tool to research or compare tires more than once. Another 11% said they have not used one yet but plan to the next time they buy tires.
Conversely, just 5% of respondents said an AI assistant or chatbot would be their typical first stop when researching tires, suggesting many drivers may add AI later in the process to help sort through information or frame comparisons.
AI can help turn a general concern into a clearer list of questions. A driver might use it to identify terms to research, compare categories of information or prepare for a conversation with a retailer, dealer or repair professional.
Keep trusted people in the research loop.
Despite drivers’ increased reliance on digital tools, trusted advice is still important. More than one-quarter of drivers said they would typically begin tire research with a recommendation from a mechanic (15%) or from friends or family (12%).
Friends and family may share firsthand experiences, while a mechanic may help a driver better understand the questions that matter for their vehicle. More than 1 in 5 respondents (21%) list advice from a repair shop among the top three reasons that would prompt them to buy new tires, showing the role professional guidance can play when a purchase becomes necessary.
Find the full survey and approach your next tire research process with clearer questions, more confidence and a better sense of what matters most for the road ahead at HankookTire.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
STM Blog | Commentary | October 14, 2026
The viral allegations involving Texas Roadhouse and the treatment of Black customers raised an understandably disturbing question: Could diners trust that they were being served safely and respectfully?
After reviewing available coverage again on October 14, STM Daily News did not locate new verified evidence establishing that the alleged food tampering occurred. We also did not locate a publicly released final report from the outside firm the company said it hired.
The central distinction remains unchanged: the allegations have not been substantiated in the reporting reviewed, while Texas Roadhouse says its investigation points to a hoax.
What the available reporting says
In August, social media posts alleged that restaurant workers deliberately tampered with food served to Black customers. The claims circulated widely and prompted calls for a boycott. Texas Roadhouse said it had not identified current or former employees connected to the accusations.
In reporting updated August 26, KTXS noted that the viral post did not identify a particular restaurant location and that there was no verified evidence connecting the claims to a Texas Roadhouse employee.
The company told the outlet it had found no credible evidence of food tampering. It also said the original Facebook post had been deleted, some users had retracted posts amplifying the claims, and an outside firm had been engaged to investigate the accusations’ source and motives. These details come from August coverage, rather than a new October announcement.
What remains unresolved publicly
Our latest review did not locate a final outside investigation report that readers could examine. We therefore cannot describe that investigation as complete or independently assess its findings.
The company’s description of the claims as a hoax should continue to be attributed to Texas Roadhouse. Likewise, the allegations should not be repeated as though they describe a confirmed incident.
Not locating a new public report does not establish whether investigative work has continued privately. It means the public information we found does not support a stronger conclusion.
Why careful wording still matters
For Black diners, allegations of racist mistreatment can strike a painful nerve. Everyone deserves to sit down for a meal without worrying that their race could make them a target.
Taking that concern seriously requires credible complaints to be investigated thoroughly. It also requires care before assigning blame to a restaurant, a location, or its workers.
Social media can spread a warning far beyond its original audience before anyone verifies the underlying claim. Once that happens, a correction or clarification may never reach everyone who saw the accusation.
That makes transparency essential. Restaurants should explain what they have investigated and what they can substantiate. Those sharing accusations should be equally willing to share corrections and acknowledge uncertainty.
For now, the responsible position is to keep the evidence and the allegations separate. If new, verifiable findings become public, they should be assessed on their merits.
Join the conversation: What do you look for before trusting a viral warning about a business? Share your thoughts in the comments, and keep the conversation respectful.
Editor’s note: This is an October 14 status review of previously reported allegations. It does not announce a new investigative finding.
Sources
- KTXS: Viral post alleges Texas Roadhouse mistreated Black customers; company responds — Includes the company’s statement and explains the lack of verified evidence connecting the allegations to an employee or location.
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Roadhouse investigates Facebook hoax alleging racist food tampering — Covers the company’s denial and its decision to hire an outside investigative firm.
- MySA: Texas Roadhouse faces social media backlash over viral allegations — Details how the claims spread and the restaurant chain’s response.
Related reading
- Snopes: Posts claim Texas Roadhouse servers contaminated Black customers’ food — Examines the viral allegations.
- Restaurant Business: Texas Roadhouse says post alleging racist practices was a hoax — Restaurant industry coverage of the controversy.
- Texas Roadhouse official website — Company information and customer contact options.
