Prime Highlights:
- Community-led organizations like Be Nolaand InspireNola are driving a strong comeback of Black educators in New Orleans schools.
- Twenty years after Katrina, schools now reflect resilience, empowerment, and hope, with rising graduation rates and renewed cultural pride.
Key Facts:
- Be Nolahas achieved a 96% retention rate for Black teachers through its fellowship and professional programs.
- InspireNolareports a 100% graduation rate, with over 80% of its teachers being Black or brown, making it one of the city’s highest-performing charter networks.
Key Background:
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina reshaped New Orleans, the city’s schools are experiencing a powerful comeback. Once devastated by the loss of thousands of Black teachers, classrooms now welcome a resurgence of community-led efforts that are restoring educators, culture, and hope
In 2005, the hurricane led to over 4,000 teachers losing their jobs, most of them were Black women. The layoffs weakened community ties and left many Black students without role models. Today, organizations such as Black Education for New Orleans (Be Nola) and the charter network InspireNola are changing that story.
Be Nola, founded in 2017, leads efforts to strengthen Black teaching. Its professional development programs and fellowship initiative have kept 96% of participating teachers in the profession. Every year, the Black Is Brilliant summit gathers teachers from across the country to exchange ideas on creating supportive and motivating classrooms.
InspireNola, created in 2013, stands as one of the city’s top-performing charter networks. More than 80% of its teachers are Black or brown, and its students consistently graduate at a 100% rate. CEO and co-founder Jamar McKneely attributes success to community leadership and participation.
Researchers note that Black students benefit greatly from having teachers of the same racial background, showing higher graduation and college enrollment rates. These organizations are not only increasing achievement in classrooms by putting more Black educators in the classrooms; they are also restoring pride and cultural affiliation in schools.
With New Orleans celebrating 20 years since Katrina, schools in the city are showing resiliency and reemergence. The black teacher renaissance represents not just reclaiming, but also investing in equality, empowerment, and the future.
