Creating student-centered classroom cultures, with Pedro Noguera, Ph.D.
Meet Our Guest(s):
Pedro Noguera, Ph.D.
Pedro Noguera, Ph.D., is the dean and distinguished professor of education at USC Rossier School of Education. He is one of the nation’s leading scholars on issues related inequality and public policy in education. Prior to coming to USC, he held endowed chairs at the University of Southern California, New York University; Harvard University; and the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of 15 books and hundreds of articles and editorials and serves as an advisor to several states, school districts, foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and nonprofits. Noguera has received eight honorary doctorates from American universities as well as several awards for his research and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting educational equity. In 2023 he was ranked first in the nation for influence and impact in the field of education by Education Week. He was born in New York City to Caribbean immigrants and is the father of five and grandfather of five.
Meet our host, Ana Torres.
Ana has been an educator for 30 years, working in both the K–8 and higher education sectors. She served as an administrator and instructor at various public and private colleges and universities and as a bilingual and dual language teacher, dual language math and reading interventionist, dual language instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal in K–8 schools. Ana is currently the Senior Biliteracy and Multilingual Product Specialist at Amplify, and delivers literacy and biliteracy presentations across the nation. Ana’s passion and advocacy for biliteracy and support for all students from all walks of life has led her to educate leaders, teachers, and parents about the positive impact of bilingualism and biliteracy in our world.
Meet our Classroom Insider, Eric Cross.
Eric Cross is a middle school science teacher who hopes to someday be a lifelong educator, like the guests on Beyond My Years! In each episode, Eric connects with host Ana Torres to discuss her guests’ best insights, gleaned from their long and rewarding careers in the classroom. Then, Eric talks about bringing some of their wisdom into his current classroom and busy life.
Transcripts and additional resources:
Quotes
“The best teachers don't expect kids to learn the way they teach. The best teachers teach the way their students learn.”
“It's less about control; it's more about relationships. And if you can build a good, positive relationship, then kids will listen.”
“The hardest thing to teach a teacher is how to build relationships with kids.”
“Too many teachers confuse teaching with talking. Teaching and covering the material are not the same.”
“Children are very astute. They know who those teachers are that value them.”
“When we give feedback early and often, it improves learning.”