Morgan State University Students Shadow Bryn Mawr

Thirteen Morgan State University students majoring in education spent a week at Bryn Mawr this spring in an effort to introduce diverse teachers to independent school careers. The aspiring teachers observed classrooms in the Lower and Middle Schools and met with faculty and administrators to learn more about independent school education, operations and culture. 

The new initiative was introduced by Lower School Physical Education teacher Moneshia Davis and Diane Nichols, Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice, to help attract and retain faculty of color, not just at Bryn Mawr, but all independent schools. The aim is to host a cohort of Morgan State students on an annual basis. 

“Our goal is to build a relationship with Morgan State University to bring more teachers of color to independent schools,” Davis said, “It really benefits both institutions because students from the university are able to see an independent school and see the differences, and our students benefit from a more diverse faculty.”

The Morgan State students selected classes for observation, which included Lower School homerooms, art, science, and participation in Bryn Mawr traditions like Maypole. In Middle School, they observed discussion-based classes such as English and history.