Barry 1

Jeremy Barry

Ms. Michko

AP Language and Composition

12 February 2023

“A Talk to Teachers” Precis

In his article directed toward teachers and educators regarding the issues of traditional

education (1963), African-American writer James Baldwin argues that education can shape

students' minds and that teachers' lack of acknowledgment of student's identities, fails to set

them up for success, especially in African-American communities. Baldwin supports his

assurances by sharing a personal experience that many teachers can relate to as they have been in

a similar situation, comparing the traditional education system to the Reconstruction era in

America, and he also depicts a relationship between a student and teacher as a valuable aspect of

a young student's life. Baldwin’s ability to share a personal experience combined with a

thought-provoking comparison and a depiction of a meaningful relationship elicits sympathy

from the crowd in order to instill a sense of urgency, ultimately creating change in the education

system, allowing students to reach their full potential regardless of race or any exterior factor. As

an African-American teacher himself, Baldwin establishes a passionate tone with the teachers

and educators who have the ability to develop relationships with the students and push them to

make valuable changes in society.