Edmund Adjapong, Ph.D., is a dynamic educator, author, scholar, and community-based practitioner whose innovative approach to teaching leverages hip-hop culture as a transformative tool in educational spaces. He is the Director of the Hip-Hop Culture, Equity, and Excellence Academy and Associate Professor of Educational Studies at Seton Hall University. Edmund’s work sits at the intersection of culturally responsive pedagogy, youth culture, and equity-driven education. His research and practice focus on exploring how hip-hop can be utilized to connect with students, foster positive educational outcomes, and challenge systemic inequities within K-12 schools and beyond.

As a STEM educator, Edmund has a deep commitment to addressing the racial disparities in STEM education and careers. Through his community-based initiatives, including co-founding the nationally recognized Science Genius program, he merges hip-hop with science education to inspire curiosity and confidence among historically marginalized youth. His work integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with culturally affirming teaching practices, empowering students to see themselves as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Edmund is also an advocate for professional development, working closely with educators and school leaders to adopt hip-hop pedagogy as part of their culturally relevant teaching practices. His workshops and research projects help educators build critical consciousness while equipping them with strategies to create affirming, inclusive learning environments that reflect students’ identities and experiences.

An accomplished writer and thought leader, Edmund’s most recent work, Teach Like an MC: Hip-Hop Pedagogy for the K-12 Classroom, is a book that provides practical tools for educators seeking to integrate hip-hop into their teaching. He is actively involved in community-centered projects, including initiatives that teach STEM through hip-hop music production, further bridging the gap between culture and curriculum. Edmund’s work reflects his unwavering belief in the power of hip-hop to engage youth, amplify their voices, and create meaningful pathways for success in education and life.

Area of Specialization: Science Education, STEM Education, Urban Education, Hip-Hop Education

Education
PhD, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2017.
Science Education – Urban Education

Scholarship and Research

Related Books

Steinberg, S., Adjapong, E., & Kincheloe, J. (2020). The stigma of genius: Einstein, consciousness, and education (2nd ed).

Related Journal Articles

Toward Culturally Competent School Counseling Environments: Hip-Hop Studio Construction

Awards and Honors

Teacher Faculty of the Year, Seton Hall University. (2021).