Liberal Arts Major Ready to Inspire as Elementary School Educator

Liberal Arts Major Keishon Bostic has accepted a position as a third-grade teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, beginning in June. Bostic will join the ranks of the nation’s few Black male educators in the K-12 system. According to the National Teacher and Principal Survey, Black men made up just 1.3% of all public-school teachers in the 2020–2021 academic year – a figure that underscores the significance of his career path.

Bostic is excited to enter the classroom and become a positive role model for his students. “I want to be the teacher I wish I had growing up – someone who sees each child’s potential and encourages them to reach it,” he said. “Knowing I can help shape their confidence and academic growth is what motivates me the most.”

Bostic’s journey to the classroom began at Alabama A&M University, where he found a home after attending the 2020 Open House. Captivated by the University's family-like atmosphere, he committed himself to making the most of his college years on Normal’s Hill. His experience has been marked by academic engagement, leadership development, and deep involvement in student life.

Throughout his time on campus, Bostic emerged as a dynamic leader and a familiar face across campus. He served as Mister Ward for the 2022–2023 academic year and was elected President of the Ward Modeling Troop, Inc. in 2024. He also played a pivotal role in student media, serving first as Co-Editor and then as Editor-in-Chief of the AMUITE Student Publications from 2021 to 2024. His leadership extended beyond titles, leaving a lasting impression on peers and faculty alike.

Looking ahead to his new role in Nashville, Bostic is eager to become a strong, positive influence for young learners. He says he is driven by the opportunity to serve as a role model and to witness firsthand the growth and development of his students. His long-term goal is to remain in the classroom, rising through the educational ranks, beginning as a lead teacher. He credits Alabama A&M with teaching him the value of organization and the importance of thorough documentation – skills he plans to carry into his professional life.

Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Bostic says he will miss the friendships and camaraderie that flourished in AAMU’s close-knit campus environment. “I’ll miss the accessibility of always having my friends around,” he said. “Their constant support is something I’ll always cherish. I also want to say ‘Thank You’ to the faculty in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department for helping me grow academically and personally.”