S03E05.Michèle Foster, Ph.D.

In this episode of 'Getting Smarter,' Dr. Margaret Vaughn talks with Dr. Michèle Foster, an esteemed scholar whose work resides at the confluence of language, culture, and the experiences of Black educators and students. Dr. Foster's extensive career includes teaching in Boston's public schools during the desegregation era, developing multicultural curricula, and conducting significant research into Black teachers' pedagogical insights. Her foundational work illustrates the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy and the necessity of viewing Black students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds as assets in learning. Dr. Foster emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in academia, one that values old and new research while encouraging students to develop unique scholarly voices. The conversation is rich with anecdotes from Dr. Foster's career, insights into effective teaching practices, and provides listeners with a broader understanding of the complexities and opportunities in educating Black students.