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Ryan Oto, Ph.D.

Ryan Oto has taught social studies in Minnesota for 10 years. He earned his B.A. from Carleton College (2009) and received both his M.A. (2016) and Ph.D. (2021) in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota, exploring the ways that teachers worked against anti-Black racism through their relationships with Black and Brown youth. Ryan exists in the space between the academy and K-12 schools, guided by the philosophy that research should improve communities. He has published in scholarly journals such as Race Ethnicity and Education and The Journal of Social Studies Research, and works as an instructional leader for a local public school district, developing anti-racist approaches to teaching.

Show Highlights

• The idea of starting an affinity space
• Participation in affinity spaces
• Creating White Affinity spaces
• Dealing with pushback

Connect with Ryan

We didn’t have to go through those barriers”: Culturally affirming learning in a high school affinity group

Marking the “Invisible”: Articulating Whiteness in Social Studies Education

Becoming Critical: Exploring the confluence of justice, belonging, and love with 6th grade youth

Additional Resources

Book Dr. Eakins

Amplifying Student Voices Program

Watch The Art of Advocacy Show

Learn more about our Student Affinity Groups

Free Course on Implicit Bias

20 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Activities

FREE AUDIO COURSE: Race, Advocacy, and Social Justice Studies