Markus came to Black Men Teach as a science teacher at Prodeo Academy in Minneapolis. He held prior positions in research and project management at Iowa State University. He is joining Black Men Teach to follow his passion for creating educational opportunities for future Black male teachers. “One of the most pressing issues facing the State of Minnesota is the disparity in education outcomes for our Black children,” said Flynn. “The work of Black Men Teach has never been more crucial, so I am eager to join an organization comprised of many talented individuals to cultivate a pipeline of Black men who will inspire, mentor and ultimately increase the success rate for students in our community.” An active community leader, Flynn is known to Black Men Teach from his volunteer efforts with its College Cohort Program, which recruits Black men to join the teaching profession. He has served as a volunteer at Raising Readers, mentor for the Connect Program, Board Member of United Way of Story City, President of the Black Graduate Student Association and founder of the Creating the Academic Pipeline Program. “We are so fortunate to welcome someone with Mr. Flynn’s passion and drive,” said Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, Chair, Black Men Teach, and Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools. “He is the perfect fit for this role that will be focused on advancing our mission to recruit, prepare, place and retain Black male teachers in elementary schools.”