DR.ANDREA.COM
Dr. Andrea Drone
"Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud."
-Maya Angelou
I studied Transformative Learning in the Global Community Program through Webster University. As a skilled and experienced professional I know how much hard work and careful thought it takes to succeed. My site is my way of documenting some of the important things I’ve learned, my accomplishments, and how I see myself developing in the future.
My research interest focuses on the Black teacher shortage in the United States public school system and ways to help improve this issue. I believe one of the key issues is systematic racism, but there are also several other issues that have also contributed to the Black teacher shortage issue as well. My research topic is called "Black Teachers Matter" Exploring the Lived Experiences of Black Educators in the United States Public School System.
Not only does my research focus on the Black teacher shortage in United States K-12 public schools. But my research also focuses on the issues that has caused Blacks to pursue other career options and possible solutions to the problem. Black teachers are important to the education system today. Black students need teacher's that look like themselves to look up to. There is a gap in research for the Black teacher shortage and I believe this is an issue worth looking into and addressing. Follow along as I help capture real life stories of the experiences of Black teachers working in the United States K-12 public school system today.
There has always been a Black teacher shortage in the United States. My research focuses primarily on ways to improve the Black teacher shortage in United States K-12 public schools. Only 7% of teachers in the United States are Black in public education (El-Mekki, 2020). Only 2% of teachers in the United States public education system are Black males (Hall, 2025). Black students are more likely to go to college when they have had a Black teacher (El-Mekki, 2020). There is a gap in the amount of research of the Black teacher shortage in the United States public school system.
In the future I plan to continue my career at a university to help educate future Black teacher's on ways to overcome some of the obstacles that Black teachers experience.
There has been a black teacher shortage throughout history. Ruby Bridges is a civil rights leader and activists she talks publicly about her experience being the first to Black person to attend a Whites only school in the South. Dr. Trinity Davis from Kansas City has a program called "Teachers like me that offers new teachers academic support, mentors, instructional support, spiritual coaching, and professional development to help Black teachers be the best they can be in the classroom. Programs call to action is to bring in more teachers that represent the student population.
The sociocultural/ sociopolitical context of the Black teacher shortage includes a huge number of historical injustices, discriminatory practices, and systematic inequities that have impacted Black people continuously throughout history, and is still present in todays society.
The topic has not yet been fully received by other cultures yet. I think society is more focused on the nationwide teacher shortage. There is a gap in the amount of research on the Black teacher shortage. The student population does not match the teacher population. Even though Black teachers have always been needed throughout history. The purpose of my research is to create awareness so that other cultures may also see that the need for more Black teachers is even more relevant in todays society than ever before. I position myself as both the Black student and the teacher because I have experienced both. My research topic is called "Black Teachers Matter. Unraveling the Lived Experiences of Black Educators in the United States K-12 Public School System. It allows Black teachers to finally have a voice and speak about their experiences working at public school that may contribute to the Black teacher shortage.
Work Experience
Raytown School District
Raytown, MO
September 2023-Present
Ford Motor Company
Claycomo, MO
June 2013-Present
Education
Webster University
Doctorate in Education
2025
Webster University
Master of Arts in Education and Innovation
2021
Avila University
Bachelors in Business Administration
2014
Metropolitan Community Colleges
Associate in Arts
2014
Organizations
Local Union 249
Education Committee
Certifications
Substitute Teacher Certification
Publications
When Timothy’s dog Leotus stands up to a bigger dog he gains the confidence he needs as well. This story helps give children the confidence they need to believe in themselves regardless of what their physical characteristics may be. Drone’s colorful illustrations show how Timothy evolves from feeling helpless because of challenges he experiences with his height. He soon becomes fearless and unstoppable!
MY BIO
I began my professional journey in 2000 and have since worked on a number of solo and collaborative projects. I take pride in all that I do and in the long-term relationships I’ve fostered in the process. I firmly believe that hard work eventually pays off, and I know that each day brings me closer to reaching my goals.
From small, solo projects to creative collaborations, I’m always looking for the chance to explore new venues and learn something new that I can apply to my work. Explore my portfolio, and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-drone-474a4a69
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea-Drone
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be"
William Shakespeare
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
My Qualifications
Assembly line work. Responsibilities include helping in the production of mass produced items. Focus on accuracy and quality of products. Also have to stand for long periods of time.
Ford Motor Company
Claycomo, MO
June 2013-Present
Raytown School District
September 2023- Present
Fill in for absent teachers, managing classrooms, implementing lesson plans, and maintaining student engagement.
Timothy and Leotus. The Height Challenge
When Timothy’s dog Leotus stands up to a bigger dog he gains the confidence he needs as well. This story helps give children the confidence they need to believe in themselves regardless of what their physical characteristics may be. Drone’s colorful illustrations show how Timothy evolves from feeling helpless because of challenges he experiences with his height. He soon becomes fearless and unstoppable!
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Doctorate in Education
Webster University
2025
Master of Arts, Webster University
January 2019-June 2021
Education
Avila University, Bachelors in Business Administration
August 2004-June 2014
Longview Community College/MCC
January 2001 - June 2014
This is a concise description of your past educational institution and the degree or qualification you received. Tip from the pros: focus on degrees and experience that are relevant to your professional world today.
About Us
Certificates
Substitute Teacher Certification
Activities
Local Union 249
Education Committee
