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 contends that education can shape

students' minds and that teachers' lack of acknowledgment of student's identities and active

participation in their lives, fails to set them up for success, especially in African-American

communities. Baldwin supports his assurances by portraying a personal experience that many

teachers can relate to as they have been in a similar situation, drawing a parallel between the

traditional education system to the Reconstruction era in America, and he also characterizes 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 substantial change in the education system, allowing

teachers to unlock the full potential of African- American students. As a successful

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.