Dean Elizabeth Birr Moje featured on the “PathBreakers” podcast

Dean Elizabeth Birr Moje is one of 12 leaders featured by the Kresge Foundation in the new podcast, “PathBreakers.” The series highlights individuals who are challenging systems, envisioning better futures for communities, and creating new pathways.

In her episode of "PathBreakers," Moje discusses the evolution of the Marygrove Learning Community, the role of justice in education, the significance of purpose-driven learning, and the commitment to nurturing both students and educators in a supportive environment. She also touches on lessons she learned early in her career when she was teaching history, political science, biology, and general science, plus serving students in roles that included theater director, cheerleading coach, and horseback riding chaperone. These experiences led her into the study of reading, and simultaneously into the study of culture, which paved the way for her to become a scholar of literacy.

“Language and culture can’t be separated,” says Moje. “They feed each other. If we want to improve children’s literacy learning and their skills, we need to understand their cultural backgrounds, and activate those. Let them know they matter to us. And then build on those and make connections.”