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OUR MISSION:

Recruit, Prepare, Place and Retain Black male teachers in elementary schools.

OUR VISION:

Is that all students have the opportunity to attend schools staffed with racially and culturally diverse teachers and leaders, reflecting the students' race, ethnicity, and cultures, thereby creating an environment that affirms students for who they are. Black Men Teach creates the environment and conditions where Black male teachers can thrive, because our children’s schooling experience will never be complete without them.

BMT STORIES

Get to know our inspiring staff

Cassandra Bruington exemplifies the heart of the Black Men Teach mission through their commitment to empowering educators, students, and uplifting the community. Their work reflects the values of integrity, representation, and purpose that define who we are and what we stand for.

‍

Read My Story

Meet the Team

Cassandra

Bruington

Managing Director for Programs

Cassandra Bruington is an educator, program leader, and parent advocate with over 15 years of experience driving initiatives that improve student outcomes and expand access to high-quality education. She brings a strong track record of leading systems-level work that connects schools, families, and communities in meaningful and results-driven waysThroughout her career, Cassandra has partnered with educators and leaders across multiple states and five continents to design and implement strategies that strengthen teaching and learning, elevate family engagement, and support the academic, social, and emotional success of students. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships while creating clear, effective systems that help people and programs thrive.

As Managing Director of Programs at Black Men Teach, Cassandra leads with a strategic and collaborative approach to advancing the organization’s mission. She is passionate about developing pathways for Black male educators and believes that representation, strong partnerships, and high expectations are critical to transforming outcomes for students and communities.

6 QUESTIONS

WITH

Cassandra

1

How would you describe what you do?

I build the conditions for people to thrive. My work sits at the intersection of people, purpose, and systems—supporting educators, strengthening programs, and making sure the right structures are in place so talented leaders can do their best work. At the core, I help turn the Black Men Teach vision into action in ways that impact students, families, and communities.

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

The mission is both urgent and personal. Representation matters, and I’ve seen firsthand how the presence of strong, committed educators can shape a student’s confidence, identity, and future. I was drawn to Black Men Teach because it doesn’t just talk about the problem, it actively builds pathways for Black men to enter and thrive in the teaching profession.

That kind of intentionality and impact is powerful.

3

If you could describe in one word why you work at BMT, what would it be?

Impact

4

What is a piece of advice you would give to Black Men who are considering becoming teachers?

Just do it. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You need to have a willingness to grow and a commitment to showing up. Teaching IS leadership. Your presence, your voice, and your perspective matter more than you may realize. The impact you can have on a student’s life goes far beyond academics—it helps shape confidence, identity, and possibility.

Step into it (with Black Men Teach).

5

What is the name of the teacher or teachers who had the most impact on you? Why?

I’m deeply committed to building strong communities around students and families. Real success doesn’t happen in isolation. I bring a balance of strategy and relationship-building to my work, with a focus on creating systems that support people. I care about doing this work well, with integrity, and in a way that honors both the mission and the people it serves.

I’m excited to learn, build, and grow alongside this dynamic community.

‍

6

What else do you want the community to know about who you are, your passion for the work, and the skills you bring to the work?

I’m deeply committed to building strong communities around students and families. Real success doesn’t happen in isolation. I bring a balance of strategy and relationship-building to my work, with a focus on creating systems that support people. I care about doing this work well, with integrity, and in a way that honors both the mission and the people it serves.

I’m excited to learn, build, and grow alongside this dynamic community.

‍

I build the conditions for people to thrive. My work sits at the intersection of people, purpose, and systems—supporting educators, strengthening programs, and making sure the right structures are in place so talented leaders can do their best work. At the core, I help turn the Black Men Teach vision into action in ways that impact students, families, and communities.

1

How would you describe what you do?

1

The mission is both urgent and personal. Representation matters, and I’ve seen firsthand how the presence of strong, committed educators can shape a student’s confidence, identity, and future. I was drawn to Black Men Teach because it doesn’t just talk about the problem, it actively builds pathways for Black men to enter and thrive in the teaching profession.

That kind of intentionality and impact is powerful.

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

2

Impact

3

If you could describe in one word why you work at BMT, what would it be?

3

Just do it. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You need to have a willingness to grow and a commitment to showing up. Teaching IS leadership. Your presence, your voice, and your perspective matter more than you may realize. The impact you can have on a student’s life goes far beyond academics—it helps shape confidence, identity, and possibility.

Step into it (with Black Men Teach).

4

What is a piece of advice you would give to Black Men who are considering becoming teachers?

4

My dad, Mr. Bruington, is the best Black male educator I’ve ever had. Through his service in the U.S. Army and the way he showed up at home, he taught me dedication, resilience, and what it means to lead with integrity. I learn just as much from how he lives as I do from what he says.

My JROTC instructor, Sgt. Reese, helped shape my high standard for excellence. He was straightforward, strict, and didn’t play when it came to expectations. I carry that with me in how I lead—by example and with high expectations for myself and others. Sgt. Reese was inspired to become a teacher because of the black male educators he had growing up in the South, which makes his impact come full circle for me.

My son Josiah has taught me patience, hope, and how to find joy, even in the middle of challenges. He’s a sponge and learns so much from me, but like all great teachers, I’m his most attentive student. Maybe one day he’ll be an alum of Black Men Teach.

5

What is the name of the teacher or teachers who had the most impact on you? Why?

5

I’m deeply committed to building strong communities around students and families. Real success doesn’t happen in isolation. I bring a balance of strategy and relationship-building to my work, with a focus on creating systems that support people. I care about doing this work well, with integrity, and in a way that honors both the mission and the people it serves.

I’m excited to learn, build, and grow alongside this dynamic community.

‍

6

What else do you want the community to know about who you are, your passion for the work, and the skills you bring to the work?

6

Other Staff Members:

Jordan Lewandowski

High School Program Director

View Story

Dr. Courtney Bell-Duncan

Senior Director of Collective Impact

View Story

DeSean Smedley

College Cohort Program Director

View Story

Rosemarie Ndupuechi

Chief Advancement & Marketing Officer

View Story

Hajo Jaafaru

Program & Events Coordinator

View Story

Alex McCoy

Director of Teaching & Learning

View Story

Markus Flynn

Executive Director

View Story

Sean Sweat

Senior Director of Evaluation and Impact

View Story
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Cassandra Bruington

Managing Director for Programs

Cassandra Bruington is an educator, program leader, and parent advocate with over 15 years of experience driving initiatives that improve student outcomes and expand access to high-quality education. She brings a strong track record of leading systems-level work that connects schools, families, and communities in meaningful and results-driven waysThroughout her career, Cassandra has partnered with educators and leaders across multiple states and five continents to design and implement strategies that strengthen teaching and learning, elevate family engagement, and support the academic, social, and emotional success of students. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships while creating clear, effective systems that help people and programs thrive.

As Managing Director of Programs at Black Men Teach, Cassandra leads with a strategic and collaborative approach to advancing the organization’s mission. She is passionate about developing pathways for Black male educators and believes that representation, strong partnerships, and high expectations are critical to transforming outcomes for students and communities.