Marcos Pizarro

Marcos Pizarro is a Professor in the Department of Chicanx Studies at San José State University (SJSU), where he has taught since 1999. He holds a PhD from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and a BA in Urban Studies from Stanford University. His research focuses on Chicanx and Latinx student and teacher empowerment, with an emphasis on social and racial justice in education. Pizarro co-founded MAESTRXS, an organization promoting transformative education models for Latinx communities, and co-coordinates the Institute for Teachers of Color Committed to Racial Justice (ITOC), which trains educators in anti-racist practices.

His work includes developing the Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center at SJSU, enhancing student belonging and well-being, and co-creating the Ethnic Studies Residency Program. From 2019–2024, he served as Associate Dean of SJSU’s Lurie College of Education, leading anti-racist initiatives and curriculum reforms. Key publications include his 2005 book Chicanas and Chicanos in School, analyzing identity and schooling, and recent articles on racial battle fatigue among educators, critical professional development, and leadership in marginalized communities.

Pizarro’s advocacy extends to community partnerships, such as the MAESTRXS model for “Living Racial Justice,” and leadership in national conferences on equity in education. His research underscores the intersection of education, race, and resilience, with a commitment to centering marginalized voices in policy and practice.