Inspiring Males to Join the Teaching Profession

Inspiring Males to Join the Teaching Profession

by Kara Myers

Virginia faces a teacher shortage, and among the current teachers in the profession, the majority are females. There is a lack of representation of males in the profession. Dr. Alphonso Sealey, the newly hired Coordinator of Field Experiences in the College of Education, has some encouraging words for any males considering becoming educators.

Dr. Sealey is a first-generation college student but had teachers in his family through his great uncles and aunts. He graduated from Stillman College in Alabama in 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education. After completing his undergraduate degree, he obtained his master's degree from Florida A&M University in 2006 in School Counseling. In 2013, he graduated with his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership-Higher Ed from Argosy University. Dr. Sealey taught in public schools for nine years, primarily third, fourth, and fifth grades. He then was a school counselor for three years.

When prompted to explain why he chose to be an educator, Dr. Sealey elaborates on past teachers and his role in society. His sixth-grade and twelfth-grade teachers' love for teaching students inspired him to join the profession. Dr. Sealey reflects on his choice of teaching, "It is rewarding. Making an impact on society and giving back to the community.  Doing something that you love, and shaping the minds of younger generations to do the best they can in society."

Being an educator is hard work, but it is necessary work. Without teachers, society would not be functional. Dr. Sealey has many strategies to spark interest in students, and specifically African American male students, encouraging them to join the profession. "Reaching them to be mentors as well as teachers, students want to see people with whom they can relate.  Many males go for where the money is, but it is more about being a mentor. Specifically, inspiring African American males to motivate them to be a mentor." 

Dr. Sealey sees himself as a "leader, a change agent, and a mentor." Due to firsthand experience, he sparks reinterest in students to continue their education to be a teacher.

Welcome to the College of Education, Dr. Sealey.