Men of Color in Education

Building the Next Generation of Educators

The Men of Color in Education (MOCED) Program recruits, develops, and empowers future educators through teacher pipeline initiatives, mentorship, leadership development, research, and strategic partnerships. Together, we are building the next generation of educators who will transform schools and communities.

Building the Next Generation of Educators

Dr. Richard Warren Jr.

Founder & Director

A Message from the Director

Dr. Richard Warren Jr.

Richard Hazel Endowed Professor

Dr. Richard Warren Jr. is the Richard Hazel Endowed Professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Maryland State Teacher of the Year (2019), and Chair of Education Executive Policy for the Moore-Miller Administration. His research examines educator identity, teacher persistence, humanizing school practices, and pathways into the teaching profession, with particular attention to the experiences of Black male educators. Through qualitative inquiry and programmatic innovation, Dr. Warren advances strategies to strengthen teacher pipelines, support educator longevity, and reimagine equitable pathways into the profession.

MOCED was born from a simple conviction: every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the educators who shape their futures. When boys of color are taught by educators who look like them, understand their experiences, and believe in their potential, the results are transformational.

MOCED is a comprehensive educator development, mentorship, and teacher pipeline initiative transforming the educational landscape — one educator, one leader, one community at a time.

The work continues. The mission grows. And the impact is undeniable.

What We Do

Our Programs

M.A.D.E. Men

Men Achieving Their Dreams in Education

M.A.D.E. Men

Interest Form

The flagship mentorship and leadership development program supporting undergraduate men of color pursuing careers in education through academic coaching, professional growth, leadership development, and community-building experiences.

High School Teacher University

HSTU

High School Teacher University

A dual-enrollment and summer residential experience providing high school students with early exposure to teacher education coursework, college life, leadership development, and mentoring while creating a direct pathway into the teaching profession.

Man the Shore Summit

Annual Leadership Summit

Man the Shore Summit

An annual regional leadership summit designed to inspire, empower, and equip boys and young men of color through keynote speakers, workshops, mentoring, networking, and educational leadership experiences.

Lil M.A.D.E.

Elementary Mentorship & Literacy

Lil M.A.D.E.

A mentorship and literacy initiative pairing UMES pre-service teachers with elementary-age boys through bi-weekly tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional learning, recreation, and character development.

Man the Shore Network

Professional Educator Network

Man the Shore Network

A professional network of educators, administrators, and advocates committed to increasing the recruitment, preparation, retention, and success of Black and Brown male educators across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

MOCED Impact at a Glance

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The Hazel Professorship

UMES established the Hazel Professorship, helping launch the Men of Color in Education Program under founder and director Dr. Richard Warren Jr.

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Historic Gift

Historic gift from Richard F. Hazel designated to support teacher preparation at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

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School District Partnerships

Including Caroline, Harford, Dorchester, Somerset, Worcester County Public Schools, and Educational Solutions Company in Columbus, Ohio.

First Out-of-State Partnership

Established with Educational Solutions Company in Columbus, Ohio — MOCED’s first out-of-state dual enrollment partnership.

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HSTU Participants (2026)

Students representing multiple Maryland counties participating in dual-enrollment teacher preparation coursework and residential learning experiences.

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Male Educators of Color

Connected through the Man the Shore Network to strengthen recruitment, retention, leadership development, mentorship, and professional growth.

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Summit Registrations

Students, educators, community leaders, and partners participating in the inaugural Man the Shore Summit.

$0+

Raised

Generated through the UMES Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Campaign in support of expanding the Men of Color in Education Program.

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Funded Research & Program Grants

Supporting educator preparation, teacher residency, mentorship, leadership development, and teacher pipeline innovation.

Regional, State & Local Recognition

Recognized through media coverage, university communications, conference presentations, invited speaking engagements, and community partnerships.

Five Signature Programs

  • M.A.D.E. Men
  • High School Teacher University
  • Lil M.A.D.E.
  • Man the Shore Summit
  • Man the Shore Network

Program Resources

Download official MOCED documents and reports.

Recruitment

Experience High School Teacher University

A dual-enrollment and summer residential experience providing high school students with early exposure to teacher education coursework, college life, and leadership development.

A look at the vision, purpose, and student experience behind High School Teacher University.

NEW: 2026 Highlights

HSTU 2026: This Year's Experience

Explore highlights from the 2026 High School Teacher University cohort, including college coursework, campus life, mentoring, cultural experiences, leadership development, and student growth.

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Annual Leadership Summit

Man the Shore Summit

Inspiring, empowering, and equipping boys and young men of color through keynote speakers, workshops, mentoring, and networking.

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Give

Invest in the Next Generation of Educators

Every student deserves access to outstanding educators and meaningful opportunities. Your generosity helps expand teacher pathways, provide scholarships, strengthen mentorship programs, and create transformative experiences for future educators through the Men of Color in Education Program.

Together, we are building the next generation of educators who will positively impact schools, communities, and future generations.

Your gift helps recruit, develop, sustain, and empower the next generation of educators. Every contribution directly supports scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, teacher preparation, and transformative educational opportunities.

Give Now

Voices of MOCED

Student Stories

MADE Man Alumnus

Dr. Warren and the MOCED family invested in me when I didn't even believe in myself. Now I invest in the next generation every single day.

MADE Man Alumnus

High School Teacher, Dorchester County

Started in Little MADE, returned to UMES as a MADE Man, now teaches on the Eastern Shore.

Scholarly Work

Research & Publications

Taboo: The Journal of Culture and Education2026

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Black Education Moving Forward

A critical examination of Black education, resistance, and world-making in the contemporary educational landscape.

Read Publication
The Urban Review2026

Shaping School Discipline: Resilience, Equity, and the Role of Black Male Educators in Reforming Exclusionary Practices

Examining how Black male educators influence and reform exclusionary discipline practices in schools.

Read Publication
Educational Justice Journal2025

Navigating the Blues: The Resistance and Identity Evolution of Black Male Educators as Shapeshifters in Education

Exploring the identity evolution and resistance strategies of Black male educators navigating systemic challenges.

Read Publication
Journal of Mental Health in Rural Schools2025

Mentoring for Mental Health: Fostering SEL to Build Resilience in Rural Schools

Investigating how social-emotional learning and mentoring foster mental health and resilience in rural educational settings.

Read Publication

Research & Sponsored Projects

Advancing the Field

MOCED contributes to the national conversation on educator diversity through funded research, sponsored projects, and scholarly inquiry.

Funded Projects

Boundless Educators Initiative

Funded
Agency:National Center for Teacher Residencies
Award:$100,000
Duration:3 Years
PI:Richard Warren
Co-PIs:Marcus Fuller, Ernest England, Kala Burrell-Craft

Project CHART

Funded
Agency:Maryland Higher Education Commission
Award:$75,000
Duration:1 Year
PI:Richard Warren
Co-PIs:Marcus Fuller, Ernest England

Project LIFT

Funded
Agency:NASA
Award:$10,000
Duration:1 Year
PI:Richard Warren

Project REPP

Funded
Agency:U.S. Department of Education
Award:$321,520 (Year 1)
PI:Marcus Fuller
Co-PIs:Richard Warren

Rural Maryland Council Youth Grant

Funded
Agency:Rural Maryland Council
Award:$45,000
Duration:2 Years
PI:Kala Burrell-Craft
Co-PIs:Richard Warren

Pending Proposals

Complying in Advance: How National District Leaders Reshape Equity-Focused Teacher Recruitment and Preparation Programs in Anti-DEI Policy Contexts

Pending
Agency:Spencer Research Foundation
Award:$75,000
PI:Richard Warren
Co-PIs:Valerie Hill-Jackson

Standing on Business: How Male Teacher Candidates of Color at HBCUs Persist Through Systemic Challenges Using Blues and Hip-Hop Epistemologies

Pending
Agency:Spencer Research Foundation
Award:$50,000
PI:Richard Warren
Co-PIs:Kala Burrell-Craft

MOCED Newsroom

What's Happening Now

Current Features

Jun 9, 2026

Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley CREEO

Dr. Richard Warren Jr. is serving as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Research on Expanding Educational Opportunity (CREEO), collaborating with nationally recognized scholar Dr. Travis J. Bristol on research examining educator identity, teacher persistence, and pathways into the teaching profession.

Latest Updates

Program UpdateJun 9, 2026

Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley CREEO

Dr. Richard Warren Jr. is serving as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Research on Expanding Educational Opportunity (CREEO), collaborating with nationally recognized scholar Dr. Travis J. Bristol on research examining educator identity, teacher persistence, and pathways into the teaching profession.

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events

Jul14

High School Teacher University

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM UMES Campus
recruitment

Our Network

Partners & Supporters

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Special Thanks

Gratitude & Acknowledgment

The Men of Color in Education Program is grateful for the leadership, encouragement, and support of Dr. Kimberly Poole-Sykes, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Executive Leadership Team, the Department of Education faculty and staff, and our many school district and community partners whose collaboration continues to strengthen our mission of building the next generation of educators.

Stay Connected

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