Bettina L Love

Bettina L. Love is the William F. Russell Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, specializing in abolitionist teaching, anti-racist education, and Black girlhood studies. Her work bridges academia and activism through publications like Punished for Dreaming (NY Times bestseller) and We Want To Do More Than Survive. Recognized nationally for her transformative scholarship, she has received the Stowe Prize and Kennedy Center’s Next 50 Leaders honor for fostering educational equity.

Her research focuses on dismantling oppressive educational systems through frameworks like educational reparations and art-based civic engagement. Love co-founded the $13M 'In Her Hands' initiative supporting Black women in Georgia and regularly contributes to Education Week on race and education. Media features include NPR, PBS, and The Guardian.

Key contributions include developing abolitionist pedagogy, critiquing carceral education systems, and centering Black joy in curricula. Her 2024 awards include the Truth Award and Black Girl Magic Award, recognizing her impact on marginalized communities. Ongoing work emphasizes community-based solutions and anti-racist policy advocacy.