Sean comes to Black Men Teach with significant experience serving youth in north and south Minneapolis. Prior to joining BMT, Sean taught for six years at Hope Academy, leading 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade classrooms, as well as serving as Dean of Students. Sean also served at the historic Hospitality House Youth Development, where he built and coordinated a literacy program that produced positive outcomes for northside students. Sean’s volunteer experience includes serving on the board of Literacy Minnesota and as a Big Brother for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Sean’s passion for seeing more Black men in the classroom grew throughout his years of teaching, as he found himself often as the only Black male teacher in the hallways or meeting rooms. His passion intensified as he gained the opportunity to mentor a cohort of BMT College Fellows as their leadership coach. “I often think about the 1950s and 60s. My people. The teachers and the pastors. The poets and the artists. The barbers and the city workers. All these people were teachers. They majored in leadership and strategy. They collaborated and coordinated in church basements a plan to wrestle back Black freedom and humanity. And they did all of this with the grave understanding that their sacrifice would oftentimes end in bloodshed. When a Black male teacher takes that history, that DNA, that will into the classroom—when he educates a young Black student using that power and leading with authenticity—I’m convinced it’s the most powerful and transformative act in education. The mission of Black Men Teach is so important for the healing of our communities here in the Twin Cities. I’m proud to be part of it.” Sean studied at Virginia State University and Old Dominion University before completing his B.A. Degree in elementary education at Western Governors University.