It’s been proven that representation makes a difference in a child’s life. According to a study published in the American Economic Journal, Black boys with a Black male elementary school teacher were 29% less likely to drop out of school years later, and those from very low-income families were 39% less likely to drop out of school if they had a Black male teacher. According to the Department of Education, only 2% of teachers in the country are Black men. In Minnesota, just 0.5% of teachers are Black males.
The Sirtify® program envisions a world where all elementary and secondary students have a level playing field by having teachers who share their backgrounds and experiences. Our program seeks to empower Black men in education to have a positive impact on all students especially those from similar backgrounds. Normandale does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin, and all are welcome to apply.
Sirtify® provides:
Student commitment to Sirtify® includes:
“Sirtify is not just preparing future educators, it is changing lives, families and communities. I am excited to be part of a program that addresses a critical need and builds a pathway for future educators who reflect the brilliance and diversity of our communities.”
Dualeh has nearly a decade of experience at Normandale, supporting students through advising and outreach. In 2017, while serving as co-chair of IMMOC (Indigenous Male and Males Students of Color)—a coalition of men of color across the Minnesota State system with a shared commitment to uplifting BIPOC male students—Dualeh helped bring the annual conference to Normandale. With the support of former Normandale President Joyce Ester, he expanded his impact beyond the event, leading cultural enrichment trips and offering intrusive, culturally focused advising to a small group of Black male and male students of color. These early efforts planted the seeds for what would later grow into Sirtify®.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, American Racial and Multicultural Studies at St. Olaf College, and received his master’s degrees in Sustainable International Development and Conflict Resolution and Coexistence at Brandeis University
Previous to returning to Normandale to be the Sirtify® program coordinator, he worked as a senior academic advisor at Northwestern University in Qatar. Dualeh has also worked for TRIO programs at Normandale, St. Olaf College, Brandeis University and the University of Minnesota.
The Sirtify® program is accepting applications for a Fall 2025 cohort. The online application is currently open. All candidates are required to submit an application to be considered for an interview.
Sirtify® students take courses that meet the requirements of the Special Education Foundations Transfer Pathway, Elementary Education Transfer Pathway, or other degree plans for those interested in Secondary Education. Students will work with their academic advisor to register and make sure the courses will ensure transfer into their bachelor's program.
Normandale offers a variety of course delivery methods. Sirtify® students can take courses that work best in their schedule.
To be part of the Sirtify® program, students need to take a minimum of 9 credits a semester (fall and spring).
Make a secure online donation to the Normandale Community College Foundation. Your investment in education transforms individuals, families, and communities!
As Chase begins his journey in the Sirtify® program this fall, he is focused on making a meaningful difference for students at a similar stage inside and outside of the classroom.
“In my head, that age group is a critical time for people trying to figure out who they are going to become. If I can have an impact on that, it would be amazing. When I started in the classroom, I noticed how I impacted the student’s lives. It was fulfilling that I was able to relate and teach them some life skills, those experiences helped me decide that I wanted to get into this field.
It is great to be part of a program that helps encourage Black males who are working with students to get a degree and open up their career options in the field. Sirtify® not only gives you the education to get your degree, but it supports you in a number of ways all the way through.
It is an opportunity to collaborate, bring different things to the table, and learn from each other, which I think will be great. It creates a strong support system that will help us all succeed, and I am excited about the opportunity.”
top
