Ryan Oto

Ryan Oto is an Assistant Professor in Social Studies Education at the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development, serving as the licensure program lead for social studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota, with prior experiences as a K-12 teacher and teacher leader. His research focuses on critical civics education, racial literacy, anti-racist pedagogies, and youth activism, emphasizing intergenerational solidarity and healing-centered approaches.

Education
- Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota
- M.A., University of Minnesota
- B.A., Carleton College

Research Interests
Oto explores how youth-led organizing challenges anti-Black racism through solidarity frameworks. His work highlights the intersection of racial literacy, abolitionist pedagogy, and ethnographic methods to reimagine civic education beyond classrooms. He advocates for culturally affirming spaces and healing-oriented practices in schools.

Awards & Grants
Currently no awards listed, though his research has been featured in prominent journals like Theory & Research in Social Education and Race Ethnicity and Education.

Advising & Mentorship
Oto prioritizes reciprocal relationships with students, supporting their scholarly growth through collaborative advising. He emphasizes nurturing students' unique academic identities while connecting them to broader scholarly networks.