Black Education Research Center

Welcome


Large group smiling in front of brightly lit TC stained glass windows and stairwell

Message from the Director


Welcome to the Black Education Research Center (BERC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, where we conduct and analyze research focused on improving the educational experiences and outcomes of Black and other historically disenfranchised students in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Established in September of 2021, the Center’s mission is to generate new knowledge at the intersections of Black studies, culture, politics, and education to inform and transform educational research, policy, and practice in service of equality, opportunity, and excellence. We advance research and scholarship grounded in Black, African-centered, and indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing and use critical and culturally sensitive approaches to examine education policies, practices, and outcomes.

More specifically, our work aims to support our educational researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in their efforts to address the longstanding problem of inequality in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.

Although we face great challenges ahead in our efforts to inform and transform Black education, we take great joy and hope in the possibility of what we can explore, learn, examine, imagine, and accomplish together.

Sincerely,

Sonya Douglass, Ed.D.

Professor and Faculty Director

Black Education Research Center

Teachers College, Columbia University

 

Recent BERC News & Events


Virtual Learning Series Flyer (Session 5)

Black Studies as the Study of the World: Black Labor Movements (Session 5)

February 10, 2025
3:00 - 4:30pm EST

Join us for the popular BERC Virtual Learning Series designed to engage teachers with the rich content and critical pedagogies featured in the Black Studies as the Study of the World: PK-12 Black Studies Curriculum for New York City Public Schools. Hosted by BERC, these virtual sessions will take place monthly on Mondays from 3:00 - 4:30pm EST.

CTLE credits are available for NYS licensed education professionals.

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