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

Markus Flynn 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

Markus

Flynn

Executive Director

Markus Flynn is the Executive Director of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a vital coalition of school districts, teacher preparation programs, and community partners working together to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black men in the classroom. Markus brings a bold vision for systemic change and a deep commitment to racial and educational equity, building strategic initiatives that not only support future Black male educators but also strengthen the communities where they teach.
‍

Before stepping into his current role, Markus taught 5th and 6th grade science at Prodeo Academy, where his passion for culturally responsive instruction and relationship-driven leadership took root. A former public health researcher, he bridges data-informed strategy with lived experience to disrupt long-standing disparities in education.
‍

Markus holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is widely regarded as a mission-driven leader, educator, and advocate working to transform the educational experiences of Black boys by ensuring they see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom.

6 QUESTIONS

WITH

Markus

1

How would you describe what you do?

My work as Executive Director stretches from kitchen-table conversations with men considering the teaching profession, to boardroom meetings with partners who hold resources and influence. Daily I have to balance strategy with storytelling, data with lived experience, urgency with patience.

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

I was inspired to work for Black Men Teach because the mission of the organization was so closely aligned to my personal mission. I became a classroom teacher to make a meaningful impact on my students and I knew along that journey I wanted to inspire more of them to do the same. BMT was an opportunity for me

3

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

Purpose

4

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

At the intersection of your passion and talents lies your purpose. Engage with us and see if teaching can be that for you.

5

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

I believe my role in this work is to provide an unwavering belief in our student's ability to learn. I plan to continue to serve in that space until we accomplish our mission.

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 believe my role in this work is to provide an unwavering belief in our student's ability to learn. I plan to continue to serve in that space until we accomplish our mission.

My work as Executive Director stretches from kitchen-table conversations with men considering the teaching profession, to boardroom meetings with partners who hold resources and influence. Daily I have to balance strategy with storytelling, data with lived experience, urgency with patience.

1

How would you describe what you do?

1

I was inspired to work for Black Men Teach because the mission of the organization was so closely aligned to my personal mission. I became a classroom teacher to make a meaningful impact on my students and I knew along that journey I wanted to inspire more of them to do the same. BMT was an opportunity for me

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

2

Purpose

3

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

3

At the intersection of your passion and talents lies your purpose. Engage with us and see if teaching can be that for you.

4

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

4

My most impactful teacher was my first Black teacher, Ms. Burns. She showed me that love belonged in education.

5

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

5

I believe my role in this work is to provide an unwavering belief in our student's ability to learn. I plan to continue to serve in that space until we accomplish our mission.

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

Senior Manager of Teaching & Learning

View Story

Sean Sweat

Impact Director

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

Markus Flynn

Executive Director

Markus Flynn is the Executive Director of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a vital coalition of school districts, teacher preparation programs, and community partners working together to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black men in the classroom. Markus brings a bold vision for systemic change and a deep commitment to racial and educational equity, building strategic initiatives that not only support future Black male educators but also strengthen the communities where they teach.
‍

Before stepping into his current role, Markus taught 5th and 6th grade science at Prodeo Academy, where his passion for culturally responsive instruction and relationship-driven leadership took root. A former public health researcher, he bridges data-informed strategy with lived experience to disrupt long-standing disparities in education.
‍

Markus holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is widely regarded as a mission-driven leader, educator, and advocate working to transform the educational experiences of Black boys by ensuring they see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom.