Factors that influence Omaha public schools African-American and Caucasian males' decisions to become educators (Nebraska)

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of African-American male educators to Caucasian male educators who are currently in the Omaha Public School District, and to determine if there were differences in demographic characteristics and perceptions that influenced their decision to become educators.; The sample for this study was comprised of African-American male and Caucasian male educators from the Omaha Public School District in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2001–2002 school year. All sixty-one (61) African-American educators who are certified were asked to participate. A matched replication of that sample was devised with assistance of the Omaha Public Schools Human Resource department from Caucasian males in similar positions with similar educational backgrounds and similar years of experience. There were a total of 122 educators from the Omaha Public School District who were requested to participate in this study.; Research question one asked: Are there differences between African-American and Caucasian male educators in their perceptions of factors that influenced their decision to become educators? The perceived differences found were the factors of church attendance and finance.; Research question two asked: Are there differences between African-American and Caucasian male educators in their perceptions of the influence of role models in their decision to become educators? The perceived difference in the influence of role models was different between the two groups in regard to mothers and to minority role models.; Research question three asked: Are there common demographic characteristics of African-American and Caucasian males who chose education as a profession? There were common demographic characteristics between the two groups in regards to the participants' level of education and years of experience as educators. Reviews of the current literature along with a statistical analysis of the data collected from the questionnaire were included in study. Recommendations for current practice and for further research were also stated.