معرفی
Daren Graves is a Professor of Education and Social Work at Simmons University, where he teaches courses including Educational Psychology, Qualitative Research Methodology, Racism and Dynamics of Oppression, and First Year Seminar for the Honors Program. He also serves on the Steering Committee of the Harvard Global Sports Initiative and has directed the Urban Master's Program at Simmons College.
His educational background includes:
- EdD, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- EdM, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- BA, Yale University
Dr. Graves' research focuses on the intersection of racial identity development, critical consciousness, and education. He is particularly known for his work on Hip Hop Pedagogy and its application in educational settings. His scholarship examines how Black and Latinx youth develop the capacity to analyze, navigate, and challenge racial injustice. He has developed frameworks for fostering critical consciousness in urban educational contexts and explores how teachers can create spaces for students to engage with issues of race and racism. His work challenges deficit perspectives on Black youth and emphasizes the importance of high expectations combined with cultural affirmation.
Dr. Graves' publications over the past decade demonstrate a consistent focus on critical consciousness, racial identity development, and educational equity. His work has evolved from examining individual experiences of racism in educational settings to developing comprehensive frameworks for teaching critical consciousness. A significant portion of his recent work focuses on Hip Hop Pedagogy as a vehicle for engaging students in critical analysis of societal structures. His research consistently addresses the intersection of race, education, and youth development, with particular attention to Black and Latinx students and the ways structural racism impacts educational experiences.
His scientific recognition includes:
- Simmons University Provost's Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching (2021)
- Simmons College Dean's Award for Exceptional Undergraduate Teaching (2011)
Dr. Graves has served as Co-Principal Investigator on multiple significant research projects funded by the John Templeton Foundation and Spencer Foundation. These projects have examined the development of critical consciousness in diverse educational settings, including 'no excuses' charter schools and progressive urban charter high schools. His research has explored how critical consciousness combines civic, intellectual, and performance character virtues to foster positive youth development. He has also conducted community engagement work including Supporting Black Boys to Thrive At School and Participation, Inclusion and Social Responsibility in Global Sports.
Through his work with young men's groups and community initiatives, Dr. Graves has developed practical approaches for helping Black boys navigate racialized spaces while developing strong racial identities. His research emphasizes the importance of teaching students to analyze, navigate, and challenge racial injustice as part of their educational development.
