Two Multiple Pathway to Teaching graduates are among six chosen to have their college debt lifted as they work to spark a love of learning in the students they teach each day. This strategic effort is part of the mission of Black Men Teach and its Student Loan Repayment Program.

Edward Davis, who teaches at Lucy Laney Elementary School, and Mikaele Tesema, who teaches at Evergreen Park World Cultures Community School, are graduates of the Minneapolis Residency Program, a CEHD initiative in partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools. Over the next five years, their existing college loans will be repaid through Black Men Teach. The repayment program is made possible by the generous support of former Cargill CEO Greg Page and his wife, former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Kathleen Blatz, who recognize that Minnesota’s children deserve to have racially diverse teachers who experience classroom success and strong retention.

Davis received his undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation, but it was his time as a paraprofessional that sparked his interest in teaching as a career. “After graduating from college, I had the chance to work with elementary students in the Minneapolis Public School System,” said Davis. “I fell in love with seeing the light bulb go on for these kids when they would begin to grasp a new concept, so I went back to school and got my master’s degree in teaching.”

The loan repayment program is in its first year as Black Men Teach works to develop, place, support and retain Black male elementary educators. To learn more about the program, visit blackmenteachtc.org.