Reinventing Paulo Freire

Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire, best known for his work Pedagogy of the Oppressed, challenged education plans that contributed to the marginalization of minorities and the poor. Freire believed that education should be used for liberation by helping learners reflect on their experiences historically, giving immediate reality to issues of racism, sexism, and the exploitation of workers. Known as one of the most influential theoretical innovators of the twentieth century, his views have left a significant mark on progressive thinkers about education and liberation. Reinventing Paulo Freire is an homage to him by protege Antonia Darder. Here, she explores the legacy of Freire, interviews eight teachers who studied his work, and reflects on the act of teaching as demonstrated by Freire himself. The interviews take the form of first person narratives; the epilogue consists simply of a letter and a poem. Reinventing Paulo Friere was selected as a Featured Publication by Kellog Fellows Leadership Alliance in 2003.