Elizabeth Todd-Breland, PhD
Associate Professor
History (US 20th c., African American, urban, history of education)
Contact
Building & Room:
920 UH
Address:
601 S Morgan St.
Office Phone:
Email:
About
In her research and teaching, Professor Todd-Breland focuses on 20th-century United States urban and social history, African American history, and the history of education. Her work also explores interdisciplinary issues related to racial and economic inequality, public policy, neighborhood transformation, education policy, and civic engagement. Her first book, A Political Education: Black Politics and Education Reform in Chicago since the 1960s (University of North Carolina Press, 2018), analyzes transformations in Black politics, shifts in modes of education organizing, and the racial politics of education reform from the 1960s to the 2010s. She is also co-author of the book I Didn’t Come Here to Lie: My Life and Education (Haymarket Books, 2025), the memoir of the late Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis—an educator, labor leader, political force, and staunch defender of students, teachers, and public education. Professor Todd-Breland’s writing has appeared in the Journal of African American History, Souls, and scholarly edited volumes. She has also contributed to popular outlets, including NPR, ESPN, the Washington Post, and local radio, television, print, and online media.
A frequent public speaker, Professor Todd-Breland organizes professional development workshops on African American history, urban education, racial justice, and college readiness. From 2019 to 2024, she served as a member of the Chicago Board of Education, including serving as Vice President of the board.
Her research has been supported by grants and fellowships from the National Academy of Education, Spencer Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, American Council of Learned Societies, Social Science Research Council, Ford Foundation, and UIC Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy. Professor Todd-Breland earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago.
CV Download: CV, Todd-Breland