Assistant Professor
Madhu Narayanan is interested in how institutions both shape and are shaped by the perceptions of individuals, with a particular focus on the culture of schooling. These interests lie at the intersections of the anthropology and sociology of education, policy, and educator development. Narayanan has taught classes in teacher development, social foundations of education, psychology, and leadership preparation. Narayanan has written about how educators find agency and autonomy within rigid organizations, the growth and adoption of institutional narratives across different educational landscapes, and the many ways educators confront dynamics or power and authority in their work. Prior to joining the faculty at Portland State University, Narayanan worked as a teacher and principal in New York City.