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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 teachers can thrive, because our children’s schooling experience will never be complete without them.

BMT STORIES

Get to know our inspiring staff

Ti-Esha Williams-Vaughn 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

Ti-Esha

Williams-Vaughn

Apprenticeship Navigator

Ti-Esha Williams-Vaughn is an educator, leader, coach, and advocate with more than 17 years of experience serving students, educators, and school communities. New Jersey raised, South Carolina shaped, and now proudly Minnesota-based, Ti-Esha brings a deep sense of community, culture, and connection to her work.

‍

A graduate of Claflin University and South Carolina State University, Ti-Esha has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about developing educators, building strong communities, navigating systems, and helping others recognize and embrace the leadership they already possess. As an Apprenticeship Navigator with Black Men Teach, she is excited to support and empower aspiring Black male educators as they grow, lead, and find their place in the profession.

‍

Outside of education, Ti-Esha is a proud mom to two sons and a dedicated gymnastics and basketball mom. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the MN HBCU Alumni Association.

6 QUESTIONS

WITH

Ti-Esha

1

How would you describe what you do?

I serve as a trusted guide, coach, and advocate for teacher apprentices, particularly Black men as they navigate their journey into the teaching profession. I build affirming relationships with apprentices, supporting them as they navigate school and district environments, develop their instructional practice, explore identity and belonging, and work through challenges that may impact their growth or persistence.

‍

I also design and facilitate culturally responsive learning experiences focused on leadership identity, anti-racist teaching, classroom presence, communication, and influence. Beyond individual coaching, I collaborate with mentors, faculty, instructional coaches, supervisors, districts, and community partners to create a more connected and supportive pathway into teaching.

‍

At the heart of my work is helping apprentices grow not only as educators, but as confident, community-connected leaders who know their value, understand their voice, and are equipped to make an impact in their classrooms and communities.

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

I feel deeply connected to the mission of Black Men Teach because I understand firsthand the importance of having a strong support system while navigating the education system. As a Black woman educator, I know what it can feel like to experience isolation while finding your way through a profession that doesn’t always reflect or affirm your lived experiences.

‍

I also believe deeply in the importance of seeing more Black educators, especially Black men in our schools. I have two brothers who are teachers, and I’ve had the opportunity to see both the impact they make and some of the challenges they navigate in the profession. As a mother of two Black sons, I also know how powerful it can be for young people to learn from educators who look like them, understand their experiences, and can connect with them in meaningful ways.

‍

Joining BMT feels personal for me. I’m inspired by the opportunity to help create the kind of community, support, and belonging that every educator deserves while helping to build a stronger pipeline of Black teachers and leaders. I believe that when we invest in educators, we ultimately invest in our students, our schools, and our communities.

3

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

Legacy

4

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

Recognize that your presence alone is powerful, but your purpose will transform lives.

‍

Teaching is not just a career—it is leadership, mentorship, and community restoration. Lean on the brotherhood around you, trust the wisdom of your lived experience, and know that you are laying a foundation that young men will walk on for generations.

‍

5

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

I am deeply passionate about supporting educators and helping them build their capacity to lead. I consider myself a leader, a deep thinker, a questioner, and a problem solver. I’m often the person people come to for advice, guidance, and a thought partner. I believe in being encouraging while also giving honest feedback, because sometimes growth requires someone who is willing to challenge you and help you see what you may not yet see in yourself.

‍

At the heart of everything I do, I am an advocate for children, always. I believe it is incredibly important for our schools to have educators who reflect the cultures and communities of the students they serve. Teachers have tremendous influence in shaping the narratives and experiences of young people, and I believe that responsibility should never be taken lightly. Our children are the ones who will inherit the world we create, so we have a responsibility to prepare them, invest in them, and make sure they have every opportunity to thrive.

‍

Outside of my work, I find so much joy in being a big sister, being a mom, serving my community, and traveling to support my boys in their sports. Music is a huge part of who I am; it is one of the things that keeps me grounded, inspired, and moving forward.

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 am deeply passionate about supporting educators and helping them build their capacity to lead. I consider myself a leader, a deep thinker, a questioner, and a problem solver. I’m often the person people come to for advice, guidance, and a thought partner. I believe in being encouraging while also giving honest feedback, because sometimes growth requires someone who is willing to challenge you and help you see what you may not yet see in yourself.

‍

At the heart of everything I do, I am an advocate for children, always. I believe it is incredibly important for our schools to have educators who reflect the cultures and communities of the students they serve. Teachers have tremendous influence in shaping the narratives and experiences of young people, and I believe that responsibility should never be taken lightly. Our children are the ones who will inherit the world we create, so we have a responsibility to prepare them, invest in them, and make sure they have every opportunity to thrive.

‍

Outside of my work, I find so much joy in being a big sister, being a mom, serving my community, and traveling to support my boys in their sports. Music is a huge part of who I am; it is one of the things that keeps me grounded, inspired, and moving forward.

I serve as a trusted guide, coach, and advocate for teacher apprentices, particularly Black men as they navigate their journey into the teaching profession. I build affirming relationships with apprentices, supporting them as they navigate school and district environments, develop their instructional practice, explore identity and belonging, and work through challenges that may impact their growth or persistence.

‍

I also design and facilitate culturally responsive learning experiences focused on leadership identity, anti-racist teaching, classroom presence, communication, and influence. Beyond individual coaching, I collaborate with mentors, faculty, instructional coaches, supervisors, districts, and community partners to create a more connected and supportive pathway into teaching.

‍

At the heart of my work is helping apprentices grow not only as educators, but as confident, community-connected leaders who know their value, understand their voice, and are equipped to make an impact in their classrooms and communities.

1

How would you describe what you do?

1

I feel deeply connected to the mission of Black Men Teach because I understand firsthand the importance of having a strong support system while navigating the education system. As a Black woman educator, I know what it can feel like to experience isolation while finding your way through a profession that doesn’t always reflect or affirm your lived experiences.

‍

I also believe deeply in the importance of seeing more Black educators, especially Black men in our schools. I have two brothers who are teachers, and I’ve had the opportunity to see both the impact they make and some of the challenges they navigate in the profession. As a mother of two Black sons, I also know how powerful it can be for young people to learn from educators who look like them, understand their experiences, and can connect with them in meaningful ways.

‍

Joining BMT feels personal for me. I’m inspired by the opportunity to help create the kind of community, support, and belonging that every educator deserves while helping to build a stronger pipeline of Black teachers and leaders. I believe that when we invest in educators, we ultimately invest in our students, our schools, and our communities.

2

What about the mission inspired you to join BMT?

2

Legacy

3

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

3

Recognize that your presence alone is powerful, but your purpose will transform lives.

‍

Teaching is not just a career—it is leadership, mentorship, and community restoration. Lean on the brotherhood around you, trust the wisdom of your lived experience, and know that you are laying a foundation that young men will walk on for generations.

‍

4

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

4

Two teachers had a particularly significant impact on me: my sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Malatesta, and my high school French teacher, Ms. Paulette King.

‍

  • Mr. Malatesta was one of the first teachers who truly saw me. He told me that I was a leader, and his feedback was always honest and intentional. It was clear that he genuinely wanted me to be successful, and he helped me begin to see leadership as something that was already within me.

‍

  • Ms. King pushed me in a different but equally important way. She recognized that I was a strong writer and speaker, even though I was often too shy to put myself out there. She challenged me to take risks and step into opportunities that stretched me beyond my comfort zone. In her class, I wrote a play that helped our school receive grant funding, and she encouraged me to enter a French oratorical contest, where I ultimately won first place.

‍

Both teachers pushed and encouraged me while showing me that I was capable of more than I realized. They taught me that sometimes you need someone to see your potential before you fully see it in yourself and that you can't allow shyness or fear to keep you from taking risks and pursuing opportunities.

5

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

5

I am deeply passionate about supporting educators and helping them build their capacity to lead. I consider myself a leader, a deep thinker, a questioner, and a problem solver. I’m often the person people come to for advice, guidance, and a thought partner. I believe in being encouraging while also giving honest feedback, because sometimes growth requires someone who is willing to challenge you and help you see what you may not yet see in yourself.

‍

At the heart of everything I do, I am an advocate for children, always. I believe it is incredibly important for our schools to have educators who reflect the cultures and communities of the students they serve. Teachers have tremendous influence in shaping the narratives and experiences of young people, and I believe that responsibility should never be taken lightly. Our children are the ones who will inherit the world we create, so we have a responsibility to prepare them, invest in them, and make sure they have every opportunity to thrive.

‍

Outside of my work, I find so much joy in being a big sister, being a mom, serving my community, and traveling to support my boys in their sports. Music is a huge part of who I am; it is one of the things that keeps me grounded, inspired, and moving forward.

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:

Robert Murry

Director of Secondary Programs & Educator Pathways

View Story

Brittany Leek

People & Operations Coordinator

View Story

Saijal Rajbhandari

Program Operations Coordinator

View Story

Marvis Kilgore

Director of Post-Secondary Success

View Story

Nathan Dean

Marketing & Communications Manager

View Story

Rosemarie Ndupuechi

Chief Advancement & Marketing Officer

View Story

Hajo Jaafaru

Program & Events Coordinator

View Story

Markus Flynn

Chief Executive Officer

View Story

Sean Sweat

Senior Director of Evaluation and Impact

View Story
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Ti-Esha Williams-Vaughn

Apprenticeship Navigator

Ti-Esha Williams-Vaughn is an educator, leader, coach, and advocate with more than 17 years of experience serving students, educators, and school communities. New Jersey raised, South Carolina shaped, and now proudly Minnesota-based, Ti-Esha brings a deep sense of community, culture, and connection to her work.

‍

A graduate of Claflin University and South Carolina State University, Ti-Esha has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about developing educators, building strong communities, navigating systems, and helping others recognize and embrace the leadership they already possess. As an Apprenticeship Navigator with Black Men Teach, she is excited to support and empower aspiring Black male educators as they grow, lead, and find their place in the profession.

‍

Outside of education, Ti-Esha is a proud mom to two sons and a dedicated gymnastics and basketball mom. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the MN HBCU Alumni Association.