Jerome Hunter

Activist, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Inventor

Jerome Hunter, M.A.T. is the founder and Chief Academic Officer of the Seattle School for Boys, an independent middle school inspiring youth to become compassionate and intellectual leaders. As an educator and equity advisor, Jerome has created innovative anti-bias and anti-racist frameworks based in brain science that invite teachers and organizations to reflect on and transform their systems in order to employ more equitable practices that challenge oppressive patterns. As a champion of healthy masculinity, Jerome believes in the power of supporting young men in developing respectful communication skills and strong community ties. His work has been featured in KUOW, the Seattle Stories Project, and he was recognized as a Seattle Hometown Hero. Jerome is a TED-Ed Innovative Educator, an Edgar Martinez Teaching Fellow, a mentor with My Brother’s Keeper, and a proud uncle.

As a passionate advocate for redefining masculinity, disrupting oppressive systems, anti-racist education, and centering marginalized people, I am here to share with you my conviction that we can transform our world into a more just and equitable place for all. My passion for redefining masculinity stems from my belief that the traditional masculine ideal is often harmful, limiting, and oppressive. By challenging these outdated notions of what it means to be a man, we can create a more inclusive society that values all genders and promotes healthy, respectful relationships. At the same time, I am committed to disrupting oppressive systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice, whether they are rooted in race, class, gender, or any other form of identity. By identifying and challenging these systems, we can foster a more just and equitable society that truly supports the aspirations of its people. As an anti-racist educator, I am dedicated to helping people reflect, understand, and confront the deeply embedded racism that exists in our society today. By centering marginalized people and their experiences, we can ensure an authentic approach to racial justice. Ultimately, my passion for redefining masculinity, disrupting oppressive systems, anti-racist education, and centering marginalized people is grounded in my belief that we can create a better world if we all work together to challenge the status quo.

Imagine a world where middle school boys have the power to redefine masculinity. While traditional notions of masculinity have been known to harm girls, women, and non-binary individuals; boys and men are also negatively impacted by these harmful stereotypes. Boys are often socialized in patriarchal environments, including traditional schools, and are not provided the tools to openly explore their identity and simply be who they are. Oftentimes, boys are misled to believe that academic achievement is synonymous with getting an A, while ignoring or suppressing the emotional development that comes with learning. This emotional suppression can lead boys to regularly exercise dominance, aggression, and hyper independence--which are often seen as lockerroom talk or typical “boys will be boys” behavior. These experiences are racialized as traditional notions of masculinity intersect with racism and other forms of oppression, keeping boys of color on the margins. One of the problems with the “boys will be boys” expectation is that we see boys being disproportionately held back, or dropping out, and now are less likely to attend college. So why are middle school boys the key to disrupting the patriarchy? Middle school is a time of significant biological, neurological, social, and emotional growth. Aside from infancy, the middle school years are the most critical for human growth and development. During these transformative years, preteens have newfound energy and curiosity as they develop the capacity to open up to the world, think beyond themselves, and form mature habits of self-awareness. Therefore, what boys learn in middle school is essential, as it serves as the foundation of their worldview when moving forward in life. Idea clarity I am convinced that by strategically cultivating a sense of balanced confidence, promoting open and respectful communication, and building strong community bonds, we can effectively challenge the harmful and outdated societal norms that perpetuate unhealthy masculinity. This approach provides an opportunity to empower middle school boys and young men to become well-adjusted individuals who value and uphold mutual respect and healthy relationships.

Anti-Bias Education, Anti-Racist Education, Community Outreach, Creative Problem Solving, Curriculum Design, Educational Leadership, Middle School Boys, Modern Masculinity

As a first-generation college graduate and the eldest of three siblings raised by a single mother, I learned from an early age the importance of education. Despite my mother's lack of resources to attend college, she instilled in me a deep appreciation for learning. As I came to realize the transformative power of education, I felt compelled to pursue a career in this field, driven by a desire to empower those who have historically been overlooked and marginalized. My goal is to create a more equitable and just society for all. Throughout my career, I've collaborated with educational institutions and organizations to foster more connected communities. At the same time, I've helped them recognize harmful power structures and created action-based frameworks for fairer and more inclusive systems.

People don't know that I'm pretty good at ping pong.