In this episode of 'Getting Smarter,' Dr. Margaret Vaughn interviews Dr. Sonia Nieto, Professor Emerita at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dr. Nieto, a pioneering figure in multicultural education, shares her journey from deciding she wanted to be a teacher at age 10 to becoming a renowned educator and advocate for multilingual and culturally diverse students. She discusses her challenging but ultimately rewarding early teaching years in New York City, her groundbreaking work at PS 25, and her influential publications, including 'Affirming Diversity' and 'The Light in Their Eyes.' Dr. Nieto emphasizes the importance of hope, resilience, and the interconnectedness of various educational fields like multicultural and bilingual education. She offers insights on remaining hopeful and proactive amidst current challenges in education, advocating for a more inclusive and multicultural society.
