what we dowho we areOur TeachersThe FactsGet InvolvedStoreContact Us
Impact ReportBMT AcademyEventsCareersOur FinancialsOur Staff

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

Jordan Lewandowski 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

Jordan

Lewandowski

High School Program Director

Jordan Lewandowski came to Black Men Teach with a deep commitment to helping young Black men prepare for life and discover purpose. Before joining BMT, Jordan spent eight years in education as a teacher and academic coach. He taught 8th-grade U.S. History and 11th-grade Pre-AP and AP U.S. History, where he saw firsthand how representation, belief, and expectation shape a student’s trajectory. As an academic coach, he focused on student mindset, performance, and leadership—reinforcing that success is built from the inside out.
‍

“What drew me to Black Men Teach is that we’re not just guiding students academically—we’re cultivating purpose,” Jordan says. “When a young man discovers who he is, discipline, confidence, and direction follow.”


Jordan’s philosophy is rooted in one of his favorite quotes from Booker T. Washington, who wrote in Up from Slavery that entering a schoolhouse “would be about the same as getting into paradise.” He sees education as more than a system—it’s an opening into possibility. He also rejects the word can’t, believing self-determination through self-realization is the key to overcoming barriers and limitations.

As High School Program Director, Jordan develops curriculum centered on discipline, purpose, life preparation, and leadership. He collaborates with schools, educators, and community leaders to build a pipeline of young Black men ready to lead. Guided by faith, family, and service, Jordan is committed to creating generational impact and expanding opportunities for the Black community.

‍Jordan believes that education can change a life. But a Black man standing in front of a classroom can change a community.

6 QUESTIONS

WITH

Jordan

1

How would you describe what you do?

As the High School Program Director at Black Men Teach, I design and lead programs that recruit, mentor, and prepare young Black men to succeed in school, life, and future careers as educators. I collaborate with high schools, coaches, and community partners to identify potential fellows, build cohorts, and deliver a curriculum centered on discipline, integrity, and accountability. My work includes guiding students through life skills, leadership training, and opportunities like teacher shadowing, while also coordinating with site leaders to ensure strong school partnerships and consistent student support

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

I was inspired to join BMT because I believe in the power of representation, young Black men deserve to see leaders in education who look like them, guide them, and set the standard for excellence. The mission aligns with my own passion for mentoring and building a legacy of strong, educated Black men. Just like reaching for the stars is possible, I want to ensure that we tap into the monumental potential our young men have in education.

3

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

Potential

4

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

My advice is simple: understand that stepping into education is not only possible for you, it’s necessary for our community. Effective teachers are so much more than presenters of information, they are motivators, leaders, and culture shapers. As a Black man, your presence in the classroom carries power and responsibility. You have the opportunity to inspire the next generation, to set standards of discipline, integrity, and excellence, and to show young people what’s possible for their own lives. Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling to build, uplift, and transform.

5

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

I want the community to know that I don’t believe in the idea of “can’t.” I believe every person has the potential to be great. The biggest obstacle we face is often our own limiting beliefs, and those are what hold us back from becoming who we’re meant to be. My passion is helping young men push past excuses and step into action; executing on generational health, wealth, and intellect. I bring a relentless drive, a vision for excellence, and the skills to build systems that empower Black boys and men to thrive as leaders, scholars, and role models.

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 want the community to know that I don’t believe in the idea of “can’t.” I believe every person has the potential to be great. The biggest obstacle we face is often our own limiting beliefs, and those are what hold us back from becoming who we’re meant to be. My passion is helping young men push past excuses and step into action; executing on generational health, wealth, and intellect. I bring a relentless drive, a vision for excellence, and the skills to build systems that empower Black boys and men to thrive as leaders, scholars, and role models.

As the High School Program Director at Black Men Teach, I design and lead programs that recruit, mentor, and prepare young Black men to succeed in school, life, and future careers as educators. I collaborate with high schools, coaches, and community partners to identify potential fellows, build cohorts, and deliver a curriculum centered on discipline, integrity, and accountability. My work includes guiding students through life skills, leadership training, and opportunities like teacher shadowing, while also coordinating with site leaders to ensure strong school partnerships and consistent student support

1

How would you describe what you do?

1

I was inspired to join BMT because I believe in the power of representation, young Black men deserve to see leaders in education who look like them, guide them, and set the standard for excellence. The mission aligns with my own passion for mentoring and building a legacy of strong, educated Black men. Just like reaching for the stars is possible, I want to ensure that we tap into the monumental potential our young men have in education.

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

2

Potential

3

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

3

My advice is simple: understand that stepping into education is not only possible for you, it’s necessary for our community. Effective teachers are so much more than presenters of information, they are motivators, leaders, and culture shapers. As a Black man, your presence in the classroom carries power and responsibility. You have the opportunity to inspire the next generation, to set standards of discipline, integrity, and excellence, and to show young people what’s possible for their own lives. Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling to build, uplift, and transform.

4

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

4

Mr. Nichols: He showed me that I am creative and need to piece my bubble in order to be all that I can be.

5

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

5

I want the community to know that I don’t believe in the idea of “can’t.” I believe every person has the potential to be great. The biggest obstacle we face is often our own limiting beliefs, and those are what hold us back from becoming who we’re meant to be. My passion is helping young men push past excuses and step into action; executing on generational health, wealth, and intellect. I bring a relentless drive, a vision for excellence, and the skills to build systems that empower Black boys and men to thrive as leaders, scholars, and role models.

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:

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

Senior Manager of Teaching & Learning

View Story

Markus Flynn

Executive Director

View Story

Sean Sweat

Impact Director

View Story
Information
HomeAboutProductsBlog
Categories
No items found.
Social
Help
ContactHelp CenterTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy

Jordan Lewandowski

High School Program Director

Jordan Lewandowski came to Black Men Teach with a deep commitment to helping young Black men prepare for life and discover purpose. Before joining BMT, Jordan spent eight years in education as a teacher and academic coach. He taught 8th-grade U.S. History and 11th-grade Pre-AP and AP U.S. History, where he saw firsthand how representation, belief, and expectation shape a student’s trajectory. As an academic coach, he focused on student mindset, performance, and leadership—reinforcing that success is built from the inside out.
‍

“What drew me to Black Men Teach is that we’re not just guiding students academically—we’re cultivating purpose,” Jordan says. “When a young man discovers who he is, discipline, confidence, and direction follow.”


Jordan’s philosophy is rooted in one of his favorite quotes from Booker T. Washington, who wrote in Up from Slavery that entering a schoolhouse “would be about the same as getting into paradise.” He sees education as more than a system—it’s an opening into possibility. He also rejects the word can’t, believing self-determination through self-realization is the key to overcoming barriers and limitations.

As High School Program Director, Jordan develops curriculum centered on discipline, purpose, life preparation, and leadership. He collaborates with schools, educators, and community leaders to build a pipeline of young Black men ready to lead. Guided by faith, family, and service, Jordan is committed to creating generational impact and expanding opportunities for the Black community.

‍Jordan believes that education can change a life. But a Black man standing in front of a classroom can change a community.