Culture Trap: Male Educators of Color and the Academic Role Deficit

Author

• Javin Cotton, Loyola University ChicagoFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-14-2025

Degree Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Eilene Edejer

Second Advisor

Terry Husband

Third Advisor

Siobhan Cafferty

Abstract

The purpose of this capstone project is to investigate the systemic barriers that limit the academic career advancement of male educators of color within the educational system, specifically highlighting School District 88. This study specifically addresses the disproportionate placement of Black and Latino male educators into disciplinary roles rather than academic leadership positions. Utilizing Implementation Science principles, the project outlines a multi-faceted intervention plan designed to dismantle implicit biases, enhance mentorship opportunities, and establish structured pathways for professional growth. By promoting equity- driven hiring practices, mentorship programs, and policy reforms, this capstone seeks to increase the representation of male educators of color in instructional leadership roles, thereby improving school culture, student achievement, and leadership diversity. The findings from this study will contribute to broader efforts to address racial disparities in educational leadership and promote inclusivity within School District 88.

Recommended Citation

Cotton, J. (2025). Culture Trap: Male Educators of Color and the Academic Role Deficit.
Retrieved from: https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_soecap/49

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

Copyright Statement

© 2025 Javin Cotton. All rights reserved.

This capstone project is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Education degree at Loyola University Chicago. No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations used for educational or scholarly purposes, provided proper attribution is given.

For permission requests, please contact the author at jvncotton0@gmail.com.