| The purpose of this descriptive research study was to critically, explore, understand, draw lessons from, report, and gain a deeper understanding of a societal concern: the shortage and declining number of African American male teachers in the State of Illinois. The information gathered was used to: (a) gain an understanding of the ways in which institutional and community support could help develop a 'grow your own' program for training African American males in Illinois, utilizing legislature support as a vehicle, and (b) advocate for a position which would allow African American males, who enroll in teacher education programs in Illinois higher education institutions and desire to become school teachers, to receive financial support.;Thirty-three Illinois college and university presidents completed the survey instrument used to collect data for this study. Analysis of the data revealed that the respondents' overwhelming support the purpose and goal of a 'grow your own' program for African American male teacher candidates for the State of Illinois. |
