Zeus Leonardo has published numerous articles and book chapters on critical social thought in education. His articles have appeared in Educational Researcher; Race, Ethnicity, and Education; Teachers College Record; and Educational Philosophy and Theory. Some of his essays include: "Critical Social Theory and Transformative Knowledge," "The Souls of White Folk," "The Color of Supremacy," "Schooling in Racist America," "Smartness as Property" (with Alicia Broderick), and "Dis-orienting Western Knowledge." His most recent books are Edward Said and Education; Education and Racism, 2nd ed (with W.N. Grubb); and Race Frameworks: A Multidimensional Theory of Racism and Education.
Professor Leonardo's current research interests involve the study of ideologies and discourses in education with respect to structural relations of power. Much of his work is interdisciplinary and draws insights from sociology, contemporary philosophy, and cultural studies. In particular, he engages critical theories to inform his analysis of the relationship between schooling and social relations, such as race, class, culture, and gender. His research is informed by the premise that educational knowledge should promote the democratization of schools and society. He is an Affiliated Faculty Member of the Critical Theory Designated Emphasis at UC Berkeley. He is an AERA Fellow, a Derrick Bell Legacy Awardee, and a member of the National Academy of Education.
