The Florida Keys
Black Educator Initiative
Creating classrooms where every student sees themselves reflected in the educators shaping their future.
Making a Difference, One Teacher at a Time
Our initiative has been extended for another year! Join a growing community of passionate educators dedicated to impacting the lives of Black students in the Florida Keys. Your journey to inspire and uplift the next generation starts here!
Welcome to the Florida Keys Black Educator Initiative, launched in 2022 with a mission to recruit exceptional Black educators to live and work in the Florida Keys. Our goal is simple yet impactful: bridge the gap between Black students, constituting 12% of our student body, and Black teachers, currently representing only 3% of our educators.
Now, we've heard the skepticism. At first glance, it might seem too good to be true. Yet, as we proudly step into another year, we assure you, this is the real deal!
Our Mission
Our initiative is straightforward—apply for a job on our school district's website, get hired, and secure your housing. Our dedicated staff will handle the paperwork, and on the first day of school, you'll receive a check!
Our initiative has been extended for another year, so seize the opportunity. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of Black students, one classroom at a time. Apply now and embrace the chance to shine bright in the Florida Keys!
The Black Educator Initiative: A Growing Legacy of Community and Impact
The Black Educator Initiative (BEI) is now entering its third year, marking a significant milestone in its mission to empower Black educators and enrich the educational experience of Black students in Monroe County. When BEI was launched, there were only 8 Black teachers in the county’s schools. Today, thanks to this transformative program, we proudly celebrate 23 dedicated Black educators who have not only filled classrooms with knowledge but have also fostered a strong, supportive community among themselves.
Building a Community of Educators: More Than Just Colleagues
Our teachers are more than just colleagues—they've created a close-knit family, united by a shared commitment to their students and each other. This sense of community was evident during the recent celebration in Key West, where our educators gathered to receive their Fellowship awards and discuss future plans to continue recruiting and supporting new Black teachers. The energy was palpable, the camaraderie real, and the determination to make a lasting impact unwavering.
“The Black Educator Initiative is designed to bridge the gap of inequity and inequality so often seen in education today. It is a powerful program to provide an opportunity for diverse students to learn from a diverse group of teachers.
Because the intent is so radically genuine, the Golden Fleece Foundation makes the process easy for potential Black Educators.
It really is as simple as 1,2,3.”
- Anita Linville, 2022 Teacher Fellowship recipient.
Read her full testimonial here.
No application or long drawn out process. Just apply for the position you want, once you are hired you will submit your signed binder and a copy of your lease to us. On the first day of reporting you will get paid.
It’s that simple.
Our initiative has been extended for another year!
Live Your Passion in Paradise
The Florida Keys isn't just a beautiful place to live and work—it's a place where your passion for education can truly make a difference. We’re offering a $30,000 fellowship, paid in equal parts over three years, to help you settle in, connect with the community, and invest in your journey. Our mission is to support Black educators dedicated to making a lasting impact in the Florida Keys.
Purpose:
To attract and support passionate out-of-county Black educators committed to enriching the lives of students in Monroe County.
Fellowship Awards:
Year 1: $10,000
Year 2: $10,000
Year 3: $10,000
No Need to Apply!
Candidates must accept a teaching position in a Monroe County school. Once hired, the school will notify us, and we’ll ensure you receive your fellowship.
Elevate Your Impact in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys isn’t just a beautiful place to live and work—it’s where your passion for education can truly shine. As a local Black educator, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference right here in your community. We’re offering a $10,000 fellowship in your first year to support your journey. Use it to enhance your home, deepen your roots in the community, or further invest in your career. Our mission is to support dedicated Black educators who are committed to making a lasting impact in Monroe County.
Purpose:
To encourage and support qualified local Black professionals in switching careers or returning to teaching, with the goal of enriching the lives of students in Monroe County.
Fellowship Awards:
Year 1: $5,000 on the first day of school, $5,000 on the last day.
No Need to Apply!
Candidates must accept a teaching position in a Monroe County school. Once hired, the school will notify us, and we’ll ensure you receive your fellowship.
Join our Email List
to stay up to date with any news or updates from BEI!
Have Questions? Join our school district every Wednesday!
From October through May, every Wednesday from 4:00 - 5:00 our school district holds a meeting where you can ask questions about working in our district, the Teacher Fellowship initiatives, and much more.
Sign up for the Monroe County School District email list to get weekly invitations!
SIGN UP HERE
Get to Know Monroe meetings will begin again in October! Sign up to receive invitations!
“Black students who are exposed to Black teachers by third grade are 13% more likely to enroll in college, research shows. This is called the role-model effect.”
A message from Harry Russell, the Executive Director of Personnel Support and Instructional Leadership at Monroe County School District.
“Hello future educators! This is Harry Russell, Executive Director of Personnel Support & Instructional Leadership, and I'm thrilled to extend a warm welcome to those considering joining our Monroe County School District family. As you set your sights on the upcoming school year, remember that our early application deadline is approaching on February 15th. But here's a friendly tip: if you're truly eager to be part of our community, why not start the journey early?
We understand that finding the perfect housing can be a challenge, so we've got your back! We've curated a brand-new Employee Resource Guide, specially designed to make your transition smoother. Inside, you'll find valuable information on affordable housing options and real estate contacts to guide you on this exciting adventure. The sooner you start, the better your chances of securing the ideal home sweet home. We can't wait to welcome you aboard!”
This year, we are thrilled to announce that Andrea Jacobs, a passionate English Language Arts teacher at HOB, will be stepping into a leadership role at BEI. Her focus will be on continuing the initiative’s momentum by recruiting and mentoring more Black educators, ensuring that our community of teachers continues to grow and thrive.
