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Beyond the Textbook Podcast
Raising the Volume on Male Voices in Education
Join celebrated K-12 leaders Troy Wilson and Milton Collins as they go Beyond the Textbook—a podcast that shines a light on the overlooked voices of male educators and examines the stereotypes keeping men from entering the education field.
Each episode serves as a deep dive into personal stories, systemic barriers, and the mission to inspire more men to step confidently into the classroom as changemakers. Plus, Troy and Milton invite a variety of special guests—from legislators to entertainers and more— to bring their own perspectives and get to the heart of why more men are needed in the classroom.
Why is it important that the nation encourages more males to teach in our classrooms?
The scarcity of male teachers in K–12 classrooms has significant implications for student development, particularly among boys. Here are key statistics and findings that highlight the impact we are seeing:
- In the 2020–21 school year, only 23% of public-school teachers were male, down from 30% in 1987.
- In elementary schools over the same period, the proportion of male teachers dropped from 14% to 11%.
- Boys often trail behind girls in academic performance, have higher rates of behavioral issues, and lower graduation rates.
- Male teachers can serve as role models and mentors (particularly for male students), fostering better engagement and academic outcomes.
- Increasing the number of male teachers can help address gender stereotypes and promote a more inclusive educational environment.
- The proportion of male teachers in Career and Technical Education (CTE) decreased from 75% in 1987 to 45% in 2020.
- Similar declines are observed in subjects like science and math, where male representation has fallen significantly.
- Students benefit from having teachers who reflect their own gender and racial backgrounds, leading to improved academic performance and fewer disciplinary issues.
- Efforts to recruit and retain male teachers, especially those from diverse backgrounds, are crucial for addressing educational disparities.
Meet Our Podcast Hosts
Troy Wilson
With years of experience leading education initiatives and empowering underserved communities, Troy is a passionate advocate for equity in education. His work as a K-12 Charter School principal in New York City bridges leadership and mentorship, focusing on reshaping the role of men in schools today.
Milton Collins
An accomplished educator and principal administrator, Milton brings grounded insight from many years in K-12 as an education leader. He’s committed to inspiring students, breaking down education barriers, and building up male educators to lead with authenticity, compassion, and impact.
Pinned Episode
Welcome to Beyond the Textbook, a new podcast from WGU’s School of Education exploring the ideas, people, and innovations shaping the future of education.
In this special introductory episode, hosts Troy Wilson and Milton Collins introduce the podcast, share their backgrounds in education, and discuss why conversations about equity, access, and opportunity in the classroom matter now more than ever. You’ll also get a preview of what’s ahead this season—from thought-provoking discussions with education leaders to stories from the field that highlight real impact in schools and communities.
Whether you’re an educator, aspiring teacher, education leader, or simply passionate about learning, Beyond the Textbook brings you meaningful conversations that go deeper than the curriculum.
Latest Episodes
Explore the Beyond the Textbook Podcast
Education is constantly evolving, and meaningful progress depends on thoughtful dialogue, innovative thinking, and strong leadership. Beyond the Textbook, a podcast from WGU’s School of Education, brings together educators, researchers, and industry leaders to examine the ideas shaping the future of teaching and learning.
Hosted by Troy Wilson and Milton Collins, each episode explores timely topics in education—from teacher preparation and workforce development to equity, innovation, and student success.
Through expert insights and real-world experiences, Beyond the Textbook highlights the work being done across the education landscape and the opportunities ahead for those committed to strengthening schools and communities.
Episode 1:
Why Representation Matters: A Conversation with Sharif El-Mekki
In the first full episode of Beyond the Textbook, hosts Troy Wilson and Milton Collins sit down with Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, to examine the urgent issue of representation in K–12 education. The conversation explores the lasting outcome of the decline in male educators and the impact representation has on students, school culture, and community trust. Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a teacher and principal, Sharif shares insight into the systemic barriers affecting recruitment and retention, as well as practical steps aspiring educators can take to enter and thrive in the profession.
Episode 2:
Student Success & the Whole Learner with Dr. Jeff Borden
What does it really mean to support student success in today’s evolving education landscape? In Episode 2 of Beyond the Textbook, hosts Troy Wilson and Milton Collins are joined by Dr. Jeff Borden, SVP of the School of Education at WGU, for a forward-looking conversation on student success, whole learner development, and the future of instructional design. Dr. Borden shares his perspective on how education must evolve to meet the needs of modern learners—moving beyond traditional models to embrace more holistic, flexible, and student-centered approaches. Together, they explore how institutions can better support not just academic achievement, but also the personal, social, and career readiness of every learner. From rethinking instructional strategies to leveraging innovation at scale, this episode offers insights for educators, leaders, and anyone invested in transforming education for the future.
Apply for the WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship
Are you ready to make your mark in education?
The WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship offers up to $5,000 to aspiring male educators currently applying to the WGU School of Education. The scholarship is awarded monthly to help future teachers like you take the next step.
Eligibility Details:
- Must be applying to the WGU School of Education
- Must complete the contact form
- Must be passionate about making a difference as a male educator
Applications reviewed monthly. Don’t miss your opportunity to lead the change
