Research Bio

Kourtney Kawano is a wahine ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian woman) from the village community of Nānākuli on the island of Oʻahu, a critical race resistance scholar in education, and a graduate of Native Hawaiian culture-based schooling. In her role and responsibilities as Assistant Professor at the Berkeley School of Education, she embraces the proverb “ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi (all knowledge is not taught in the same school)” by weaving a variety of worldviews, conceptual framings, and qualitative methodological techniques to examine how culture, Indigeneity, and race/ethnicity shape teaching and learning across p–20 schooling contexts. Her interdisciplinary scholarship and pedagogy aim to generate culturally grounded, ethical knowledge that aligns with community needs.

Research Expertise and Interest

indigenous education and identity, critical race studies, social research methods, identity (especially race and gender), family issues, school/community partnerships