Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2025
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Program
Urban Education
Advisor
Rosa Rivera-McCutchen
Committee Members
Melissa Schieble
Jennifer Collett
Subject Categories
Academic Advising | Educational Leadership | Higher Education and Teaching | Other Teacher Education and Professional Development
Keywords
Critical Race Theory, Radical Care, New York City, Diversity Initiatives, Higher education, NYC Men Teach
Abstract
This qualitative study examines the experiences of Black males in New York City Men Teach (NYCMT), a diversity initiative designed to increase the representation of Black male educators. Despite efforts, Black men remain underrepresented in education. Drawing from narrative-inquiry and guided by Critical Race theory and the Radical Care framework, this research explores how participants experience NYCMT and what their stories reveal about the effectiveness of diversity initiatives. Data from Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing five key themes: community, financial benefits, mentoring, professional development, and challenges. Findings show that while NYCMT offers critical emotional, financial, and structural support, systemic barriers and performative diversity efforts still impact participant experiences. This study underscores the need for diversity initiatives that move beyond representation to foster meaningful institutional change, offering recommendations to better support Black male educators in teacher preparation pathways.
Recommended Citation
Sherif, Fatima, "Diversity Initiatives in Higher Education: Understanding the Experiences of Black Males in CUNY’s NYC Men Teach" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6279
Included in
Academic Advising Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons
