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Karina Otoya-Knapp

Course Instructor

Academic Interests

Bilingual language development, dialectical diversity and immigrant experiences in schools Social justice teacher education, particularly as it relates to language and equity issues in K-12 classrooms Technology uses in higher education

Recent Courses Taught

Some of the Values that Shape My Work

I love to learn new things! Currently, I am fascinated by teaching online and its possibilities for extending collaboration, engaging in deep reflection, and fostering communication across communities. Inspired by educators and community activists who have dedicated their lives to equity and change, I believe that a child-centered and humanizing pedagogy must incorporate a critical social justice agenda.

Work with Families, Children, Schools, and Communities

I have worked as a practitioner and researcher since 1990.  My work in educational settings with children and families in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City informs my work with teachers.  

Selected Professional Development Work

My professional development work focuses on culturally relevant content development for English Language Learners.  I have also presented my research as a teacher researcher on social justice and teacher preparation at numerous conferences including AERA, NYSAEYC, SITE, NAME, NABE, and The Ethnographic Forum.

Educational Background

  • Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
  • M.A., University of Chicago
  • B.A., University of Chicago

Selected Publications

  • Otoya-Knapp, K. (2005). More than I bargained for: Confronting bias in teacher preparation. Teacher Education and Practice,18 (1), 15-35.

  • Otoya-Knapp, K. (2004). When central city high school students speak: Doing critical inquiry for democracy. Urban Education, 39, 149-171.

  • Otoya, K. (2000). The impact of critical inquiry in the socialization of first year teachers. (Doctoral Dissertation) Dissertation Abstracts International, 9957825.

Read my blog:

Language Acquisition in a Linguistically Diverse Society

Find me also on:

YouTube Facebook @k_otoya_knapp

Contact me:

(212) 875-4482 kotoyaknapp@bankstreet.edu
610 W 112Th St # 803
New York, NY 10025-1898