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Victor Rios      

Educator; Author; Creator of Project GRIT; Professor of Sociology; Advocate for Marginalized Minority Youth

Dr. Victor Rios, a distinguished academic with a pronounced focus on inequality and its impact on marginalized populations, currently holds a position as MacArthur Foundation Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean of Social Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

With an extensive body of work that includes theories such as the youth control complex, cultural misframing, and legitimacy policing, Rios has made significant contributions to the field of Sociology. Among his publications are noteworthy titles such as "Punished: Policing the Lives of Black and Latino Boys" and "Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth."

Outside academia, Rios has used his expertise to create Project GRIT (Generating Resilience to Inspire Transformation), a program designed to empower at-promise youth through education. His impact on education policy has been transformative, with his advocacy playing a role in the shift from labeling young people as "at-risk" to "at-promise" in California's education code and practices. In recognition of his significant contributions, Rios was invited to the White House in 2015 to discuss issues related to gun violence, policing, and mass incarceration.

Rios' influence extends beyond the realm of academia and policy. He has shared his insights and experiences in a broad range of public platforms. His book, "Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a Ph.D.", provides a personal account of his journey, while his involvement in the documentary "The Pushouts" illustrates his commitment to public education. Featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education and recipient of awards such as the 2013 Oliver Cromwell Cox Award and the Public Understanding of Sociology Award from The American Sociological Association, Rios' work has garnered both critical acclaim and public recognition.

Speech Topics

Webinars: Interactive and motivational presentations for educators, students, and organizational leaders.

The Anti-Racist Educator: Engaging with Students through an Equity and Justice Framework

In recent months, young people all over the world have erupted in protest over the killing of unarmed Black civilians by police. Should educators ignore these protests and calls for anti-racism? How can educators have genuine conversations with their students about these important issues and other issues related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion? Dr. Rios provides educators practical strategies for being reflexive about anti-racism and for having courageous conversations with their students and their colleagues.

Reaching At-Promise Students through Emotional Support During the Remote Learning Revolution

Webinar for educators that provides strategies for continuing to support our most vulnerable students during these difficult times. Dr. Rios provides a facilitated conversation with educators and staff and then hosts virtual office hours after to discuss their individual questions in a one-on-one setting.

“My School Believes in Me”: Culturally Responsive Approaches for Reaching Students Through Remote Teaching and Remote Counseling

In this Webinar Dr. Rios will discuss culturally responsive strategies for providing guidance, counseling, and support for students. Dr. Rios will share his research findings from a research project with 1879 high school students. He will discuss student perceptions of counselors and teachers who are successful at inspiring and motivating them.

#teachersupport Through Social Media: Meeting At-Promise Students Where They Are During these difficult times we have to meet student where they are at. This means having to make the leap into social media as institutions and as individuals. This webinar will discuss best practice for educators on how to connect with student via social media. Emotional support through social media is possible. Dr. Rios will provide specific strategies for making these connections. Questions regarding boundaries, safety, accountability, and professionalism will be addressed.

The Power of Teachers in Transforming Lives, Cultural Responsiveness, Masbloom, and Asset-Based Leadership

News

TED Talks Profile Latino Game Changers On an 'Education ...
Victor Rios speaks at TED Talks Live -- Education Revolution, November 2, 2015, The Town Hall, New York City. Ryan Lash/TED / Ryan Lash/TED.

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