معرفی
Ruben Cortez, Ed.D., is a Professor in the Human Development and Education Department at Pacific Oaks College. With a career spanning roles as a social studies teacher, principal in low-income Los Angeles schools, and nine years as a K-12 consultant, Dr. Cortez focuses on empowering educators to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in classrooms. His personal experience growing up in a Spanish-speaking household while attending English-dominant schools informs his advocacy for culturally responsive teaching and addressing student neurodiversity and social-emotional needs.
Dr. Cortez emphasizes "purposeful instruction," urging teachers to design lessons that answer students' implicit question "Why?" by connecting educational content to real-world relevance. He underscores the importance of classroom communities that foster vulnerability, support, and student voice, particularly for working adults balancing education with life responsibilities.
