Social Justice Scholars

 Several prominent educators and scholars have contributed significantly to the field of social justice pedagogy and critical pedagogy. These individuals have shaped the discourse around education, equity, and social change. Here are some of the most famous names associated with social justice pedagogy:


  3. Paulo Freire: Widely regarded as one of the founders of critical pedagogy, Paulo Freire's work, including "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," has had a profound influence on social justice pedagogy. His ideas on dialogue, conscientization, and education for liberation have inspired educators worldwide. Check out my book review of Pedagogy of the Oppressed along with loads of notes and connections to literacy.

  1. bell hooks: A feminist author and educator, bell hooks has written extensively on topics such as race, gender, and education. Her work emphasizes the intersection of education with social justice and identity, and she has contributed to the discussion of how critical pedagogy can address these issues. In my KOTESOL Reflective Practice SIG we read All About Love. I've re-read twice since. It is a simple yet important way to connect to what matters most.

  1. Ira Shor: An educator known for his work in critical pedagogy, Ira Shor has written about empowering students and promoting critical thinking through participatory and student-centered approaches. I am currently reading a conversation book between him and Freire: A Pedagogy for Liberation: Dialogues on Transforming Education. It's a wonderful exchange which hits hard as I try to listen to my students instead of just listening to my education.

  1. Henry Giroux: Henry Giroux is a prominent critical pedagogue who has written extensively on critical education, democracy, and cultural studies. His work often addresses the intersection of education, power, and social justice. Frequently cited by Freire and Shor, I've yet to actually read his work.

  1. Gloria Ladson-Billings: Known for her work on culturally relevant pedagogy, Gloria Ladson-Billings emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and valuing students' cultural backgrounds to promote academic success and social justice. She featured predominantly in my literacy studies at Indiana University. Her ceaseless work has helped me to rethink what multicultural education is and what it is I do. Her foundational work for Critical Race Theory is a good place to start

  • Ladson-Billings, G., & Tate, W. F. (1995). Toward a critical race theory of education. Teachers college record, 97(1), 47.

  1. Pedro Noguera: Pedro Noguera is an educator and scholar who focuses on educational equity and social justice. He has contributed to discussions on the achievement gap, urban education, and the role of schools in addressing societal inequalities. In researching around social justice education, Noguera features prominently yet he's another scholar I haven't yet read.

  1. Angela Davis: While primarily known as an activist and scholar in areas beyond education, Angela Davis's work often intersects with education and social justice. She has contributed to discussions on prison abolition, racial justice, and critical pedagogy. While familiar with her iconic standing in the world, I've just started reading a work of hers.

  1. Sonia Nieto: An educator and author, Sonia Nieto has written extensively about multicultural education, social justice in education, and the experiences of diverse students and teachers. Nieto's work featured prominently in my early LCLE work at IU. Here is a formative reflective practice prompted by her work.

  1. Kevin Kumashiro: Kevin Kumashiro has written about education and social justice, with a focus on challenging deficit thinking and promoting equitable and inclusive educational practices. Another name on this list that I hadn't read or known about. I'm excited to check out his website and AsianCrit.

  1. Lisa Delpit: Known for her work on culturally responsive teaching, Lisa Delpit has written about the importance of recognizing and addressing cultural differences in educational settings. I found Delpit's work while teaching EFL in Chicago and Northwest Indiana in the early 2000s. I can remember reading her discussion about teaching math to young Black girls by encouraging them to run their own beauty salon. I've always picked up her new works. Check out my Delpit Reader.

These educators have contributed significantly to the development and dissemination of social justice pedagogy and critical pedagogy. Their ideas and writings have influenced educators, researchers, and advocates striving to create more equitable and just educational environments.

More favs:

Barduhn, S. (2013). Language Dealing: plenary at IATEFL Liverpool conference 2013.

Campano, G. (2007). Immigrant Students and Literacy: Reading, Writing and Remembering. Teachers College Press.

Carr, J. (1999). From'sympathetic'to'dialogic'imagination: Cultural study in the foreign language classroom. DOCUMENT RESUME, 100.

Enyedy, N., & Mukhopadhyay, S. (2007). They don't show nothing I didn't know: Emergent tensions between culturally relevant pedagogy and mathematics pedagogy. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 16(2), 139-174.

Gee, J. P., & Hayes, E. R. (2011). Language and learning in the digital age. Routledge.

González, N., Moll, L. C., & Amanti, C. (Eds.). (2013). Funds of knowledge: Theorizing practices in households, communities, and classrooms. Routledge. 

Johnston, B. (1999). The expatriate teacher as postmodern paladin.Research in the Teaching of English, 255-280.

Kramsch, C. (1998). Language and culture. Oxford University Press.

Lee, C. D. (2003). Toward a framework for culturally responsive design in multimedia computer environments: Cultural modeling as a case. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 10(1), 42-61.

Lisak, M. (2007). Schema Theory and  My Constructivist Classroom. KoreaMaria Blog. Retrieved from: http://koreamaria.typepad.com/gwangju/2012/01/schema-theory-and-my-constructivist-classroom.html

Lo Bianco, J., Liddicoat, A. J., & Crozet, C. (1999). Striving for the Third Place: Intercultural Competence through Language Education.

Lynch, M. (2011). What Is Culturally Responsive Pedagogy? In Huffington Post Education. Retreived from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-lynch-edd/culturally-responsive-pedagogy_b_1147364.html

Neuman, S. B., & Celano, D. (2006). The knowledge gap: Implications of leveling the playing field for low‐income and middle‐income children. Reading Research Quarterly, 41(2), 176-201.

Newfield, D. E. N. I. S. E. (2011). Multimodality Social Justice and Becoming a Really South African Democracy: Case Studies from Language Classrooms. Social justice language teacher education, 84, 23.

Smyth, J. (2011). Critical pedagogy for social justice (Vol. 2). A&C Black.

Srinivasan, R. (2006). Indigenous, ethnic and cultural articulations of new media. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 9(4), 497-518.

Wuerth, S. (2009). From Chapter 23 Edwina Left Behind in Rethinking Multicultural Education: Teaching for Racial and Cultural Justice by Wayne Au. Rethinking Schools Ltd.


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