Jonathan C. W. Jones '18

Executive DirectorPK-12 Administration Certificate ’18 (College of Education and Human Development)Alumni Association Member About UpLiFT MovementLaunched in 2021, UpLiFT Movement is more than a nonprofit—it’s a mission-driven movement to cultivate, connect, and celebrate Black male and BIPOC educators. Our work centers on providing culturally sustaining mentorship for both pre-service educators seeking licensure and in-service educators aspiring to grow into building- and district-level leadership roles. The need is urgent: while nearly 40% of U.S. students are students of color, fewer than 20% of teachers identify as educators of color, and retention rates are significantly lower for BIPOC educators compared to their white peers. Research shows that educators of color are more likely to leave the profession due to isolation, lack of mentorship, and limited leadership pathways. Through partnerships with schools, districts, and institutions, UpLiFT creates supportive affinity spaces a