Markus Flynn exemplifies the heart of the Black Men Teach mission through their commitment to empowering educators, students, and uplifting the community. Their work reflects the values of integrity, representation, and purpose that define who we are and what we stand for.
Markus Flynn is the Executive Director of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a vital coalition of school districts, teacher preparation programs, and community partners working together to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black men in the classroom. Markus brings a bold vision for systemic change and a deep commitment to racial and educational equity, building strategic initiatives that not only support future Black male educators but also strengthen the communities where they teach.
Before stepping into his current role, Markus taught 5th and 6th grade science at Prodeo Academy, where his passion for culturally responsive instruction and relationship-driven leadership took root. A former public health researcher, he bridges data-informed strategy with lived experience to disrupt long-standing disparities in education.
Markus holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is widely regarded as a mission-driven leader, educator, and advocate working to transform the educational experiences of Black boys by ensuring they see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom.
My work as Executive Director stretches from kitchen-table conversations with men considering the teaching profession, to boardroom meetings with partners who hold resources and influence. Daily I have to balance strategy with storytelling, data with lived experience, urgency with patience.
I was inspired to work for Black Men Teach because the mission of the organization was so closely aligned to my personal mission. I became a classroom teacher to make a meaningful impact on my students and I knew along that journey I wanted to inspire more of them to do the same. BMT was an opportunity for me
At the intersection of your passion and talents lies your purpose. Engage with us and see if teaching can be that for you.
I believe my role in this work is to provide an unwavering belief in our student's ability to learn. I plan to continue to serve in that space until we accomplish our mission.
I believe my role in this work is to provide an unwavering belief in our student's ability to learn. I plan to continue to serve in that space until we accomplish our mission.
My work as Executive Director stretches from kitchen-table conversations with men considering the teaching profession, to boardroom meetings with partners who hold resources and influence. Daily I have to balance strategy with storytelling, data with lived experience, urgency with patience.
I was inspired to work for Black Men Teach because the mission of the organization was so closely aligned to my personal mission. I became a classroom teacher to make a meaningful impact on my students and I knew along that journey I wanted to inspire more of them to do the same. BMT was an opportunity for me
At the intersection of your passion and talents lies your purpose. Engage with us and see if teaching can be that for you.
My most impactful teacher was my first Black teacher, Ms. Burns. She showed me that love belonged in education.
I believe my role in this work is to provide an unwavering belief in our student's ability to learn. I plan to continue to serve in that space until we accomplish our mission.
Black Men Teach
370 Wabasha St. North, Suite 660
St. Paul, MN 55102
Markus Flynn is the Executive Director of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a vital coalition of school districts, teacher preparation programs, and community partners working together to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black men in the classroom. Markus brings a bold vision for systemic change and a deep commitment to racial and educational equity, building strategic initiatives that not only support future Black male educators but also strengthen the communities where they teach.
Before stepping into his current role, Markus taught 5th and 6th grade science at Prodeo Academy, where his passion for culturally responsive instruction and relationship-driven leadership took root. A former public health researcher, he bridges data-informed strategy with lived experience to disrupt long-standing disparities in education.
Markus holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is widely regarded as a mission-driven leader, educator, and advocate working to transform the educational experiences of Black boys by ensuring they see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom.
