Kenneth J. Varner

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Associate Professor of Literacy Education

Expertise: Literacy, Language, White Racial Identity, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Biography

Kenneth Fasching-Varner’s research centers around the intersections of identity and difference in globalized contexts, with attention to the language and literacy practices of individuals and communities.

His work examines the nature of White Racial Identity, Critical Race Theory, and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy as well as the role of international education, neoliberalism, and educational foundations within global language and literacy contexts. Varner is also an expert on the school-to-prison pipeline.

Varner is the author of over 70 publications including articles in Teacher’s College Record, Educational Foundations, Democracy in Education, and Social Identities: Journal for the Studies of Race, Nation, and Culture.

Education

Ph.D., Education and Critical Race Theory, The Ohio State University
M.S., Literacy, St. John Fisher College
B.A., Education, Niagara University

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books & literature, education (higher ed), education (preK-12)

Kenneth J. Varner In The News

Is it OK for white kids to dress up like ‘Encanto’ characters? Experts discuss cultural appropriation

Today

It's not always simple, but here are questions to ask to make sure your kid's Halloween costume doesn't cross the line.

How Parents Can Avoid Cultural Appropriation On Halloween

Every Halloween, the phrase "cultural appropriation" comes up in conversation — so, what is that? How do we explain it to children? And how can families make sure their Halloween costumes aren't distasteful?

‘Goodnight Moon’: 75 years in the great green room

The Christian Science Monitor

When Kenny Varner attended the 60th birthday party of a family member recently, he was somewhat startled after the conversation turned to the enduring appeal of “Goodnight Moon.”  

UNLV program helps fast track dozens of support staff into teaching positions at CCSD

New funding opened a program at UNLV last year to attempt to make a dent in the teaching shortage at the Clark County School District. The first cohort graduated from the Professional Pathways Project this summer and are now teachers at the school district.