Because We Can Change the World
Educator • Activist • author • SPEAKER
Mara Sapon-Shevin
I am a Professor of Inclusive Education at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. A long-time educator and activist, my life’s work has focused on changing how we respond to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion so that we can create a world that is socially just. I believe that creating a better world for all requires us to change how we teach children, how we prepare teachers, and how we help adults become active allies in resisting oppressive language and behavior.
Specifically, I have taught and written about community building, inclusion, teaching for social justice, preparing teachers for heterogeneous classroom, gifted education, cooperative learning, and using music and movement to create inclusive communities that challenge oppression and injustice. I believe we CAN change the world through what we say and do and by putting principles into action with integrity and love.

Books
Some books I have authored, co-authored and edited.
Publications
Articles I’ve written about various aspects of inclusion and social justice
Presentations
Presentations I‘ve given on social justice topics
Resources
Great places to explore social justice education online

About me
Mara presents frequently on inclusive education, anti-bullying strategies, cooperative learning, social justice education, differentiated instruction, friendship, community building, school reform and teaching for diversity.
Mara also works with faculty in higher education on positive responses to classroom diversity, dealing with microaggressions and creating university classrooms that are truly inclusive.

Publications about promoting social justice and liberating approaches to diversity

Publications about creating inclusive classrooms and preparing teachers for inclusion

Publications about using music and movement to model and teach about social justice
Interview
Americans Who Tell the Truth
Rob’s portraits provide inspiring examples of individuals who have worked to make a difference in all aspects of justice —- racial, environmental, gender, sexuality —- and provides a wonderful resource for teaching and curriculum development.
This interview was part of Rob’s visit to our campus where all 256 portraits were on display in November, 2018.
PROF. STEPHEN D. KROEGER, University of Cincinnati
PROF. AIMEE HOWLEY, Ohio University
KEVIN KUMASHIRO, Ph.D., Award-winning Author and Consultant, Former Dean of the School of Education at the University of San Francisco
CELIA OYLER, Professor Teachers College Columbia
BETH BLUE SWADENER, Professor, Arizona State University
BENJAMIN DOTGER
Chair, Teaching and Leadership Programs, Syracuse University
DEAN BRONWEN COWIE
University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand