Amani Jones on Representation and the Role of Black Male Teachers in Education
Wed Oct 22 2025
In classrooms across America, only about 1% of teachers are Black men. That gap shapes how millions of students see themselves and their futures.
In this episode, Kevin P. Chavous talks with Ahmoni Jones, a seventh-grade math teacher at Soulsville Charter School in Memphis, who's part of that 1%. Jones grew up in a predominantly Black district, surrounded by teachers who looked like him—but never by a Black man at the front of the room. Now he's changing that story.
They talk about what drew him to teaching, the influence of his parents—both behavior specialists—and the moment he realized the classroom was where he could make a difference. Jones explains how he keeps math alive for kids who usually hate it, why humor works better than fear, and how programs like Memphis Teacher Residency are helping young teachers of color stay in the profession.
It's a conversation about identity, purpose, and the quiet power of showing up for the next generation.
Chapters 00:00 — The beauty of showing up
01:00 — Ahmoni's path to teaching
05:00 — From college gym to classroom
09:00 — Making math make sense
12:00 — Finding balance and support
13:50 — Building a pipeline for Black male teachers
Connect with Ahmoni Jones
Soulsville Charter School: https://soulsvillecharterschool.org/
Memphis Teacher Residency: https://memphistr.org/
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✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction
✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs
✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more
✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success
Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.
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In classrooms across America, only about 1% of teachers are Black men. That gap shapes how millions of students see themselves and their futures. In this episode, Kevin P. Chavous talks with Ahmoni Jones, a seventh-grade math teacher at Soulsville Charter School in Memphis, who's part of that 1%. Jones grew up in a predominantly Black district, surrounded by teachers who looked like him—but never by a Black man at the front of the room. Now he's changing that story. They talk about what drew him to teaching, the influence of his parents—both behavior specialists—and the moment he realized the classroom was where he could make a difference. Jones explains how he keeps math alive for kids who usually hate it, why humor works better than fear, and how programs like Memphis Teacher Residency are helping young teachers of color stay in the profession. It's a conversation about identity, purpose, and the quiet power of showing up for the next generation. Chapters 00:00 — The beauty of showing up 01:00 — Ahmoni's path to teaching 05:00 — From college gym to classroom 09:00 — Making math make sense 12:00 — Finding balance and support 13:50 — Building a pipeline for Black male teachers Connect with Ahmoni Jones Soulsville Charter School: https://soulsvillecharterschool.org/ Memphis Teacher Residency: https://memphistr.org/ Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education. 🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways: https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479 🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support: https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25 Join the Conversation Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education? 📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective. 📱 Follow us: 🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast 🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.