Cruz Earns Social Justice Award

Ana Cruz, Ph.D., professor in education at St. Louis Community College-Meramec, recently received the 2022 Paulo Freire Democratic Project Award of Social Justice. 

The Paulo Freire Democratic Project Awards are given to individuals and organizations that embody the life and legacy of Paulo Freire, to those who, in his eyes, "dare to teach." They honor both individuals and organizations characterized by intellectual excellence, ethical concern, and deep commitment to the creation, nurturing and sustainability of fair and just communities regardless of location.

Cruz came to STLCC in 2001. Her research interests include critical pedagogy, social justice education, multicultural/international education, and music & deafness. She was the chair of the American Educational Research Association’s Paulo Freire Special Interest Group and is on the editorial board of the International Journal of Critical Pedagogy and The SoJo Journal: Educational Foundations and Social Justice Education.

While at Meramec, Cruz has received the Faculty Lecture Award, the Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award from the Missouri Community College Association and an Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.