Meet Your Professor: Elizabeth Maglio
Elizabeth Maglio
A passionate educator and advocate for social justice
Since joining Urban College in 2014, Elizabeth Maglio has been a tireless educator and policy advocate, weaving real-world lessons from her diverse experiences (teaching at multiple colleges and serving as a town councilor in Braintree) into her courses.
Her journey with Urban College began while working at a community multi-service nonprofit in Roxbury/Dorchester, where she witnessed Urban College educators teaching on-site Early Childhood Education courses to childcare staff.
Struck by their transformative impact, she felt compelled to join the college as an adjunct professor.
“The mission of Urban College is incredible. The fact that it was born out of an anti-poverty nonprofit is unique; it’s founded on heart, sweat, tears, joy - all with the vision of providing people with the opportunities they need to not only survive but thrive.
There’s an energy that’s palpable at Urban… it’s a pulse that can be felt throughout every staff and faculty member, and even in the students. People are passionate about their goals here.”
Elizabeth started teaching various classes at Urban College, including Intro to English, College Writing, Health & Wellness, General and Child Psychology, infusing each with her dynamic approach.
When the COVID pandemic forced Urban to pivot to online learning, she aided in developing and implementing the college’s virtual curriculum, ensuring students stayed connected to their dreams.
“The online accessibility of Urban College is a powerful tool for students. It not only empowers them to learn in their personal ideal environment, it also prepares them to participate in the tech economy, and be prepared to thrive in a tech-centric world.”
At the heart of her teaching lies a commitment to social justice. One of her favorite courses, Cultural Competency (a sociology class), draws on her nonprofit work and time as an elected official in Braintree to spark meaningful dialogue.
“Lived experiences are integral to how society is shaped and functions. It’s so important to listen, to learn, and understand other’s perspectives. Saved stories are so important, identity is so important, and people’s real experiences are so important to inform policy and drive change.”
Elizabeth often ties her lessons to pressing community issues, like systemic environmental pollution, a challenge Braintree and many towns face. In one memorable assignment, she had students track their carbon footprints for a week, reflecting on how accessibility and personal choices shape their environmental impact. “It’s a way for students to see how they impact their environments and vice versa,” she explains.
In another class, she introduced students to JR, a muralist who created a massive dinner table spanning the Mexican-American border wall. This symbolic installation, complete with shared meals and live music on both sides, captivated global attention. Elizabeth challenged her students to harness creativity for change, asking them to craft projects conveying issues close to their hearts. The results were as diverse as they were powerful.
Her students don’t just learn from her; they inspire her, too. Their creative projects spurred Elizabeth to champion a Braintree ordinance honoring Pride Month by flying the Pride Flag each June as a symbol of unity and justice.
“Symbolism is incredibly important and helps call attention to issues that impact us all, regardless of our identities. We all have aspects of ourselves that make us different, and those differences make us stronger.”
Diversity is a core part of Urban College’s mission, and a large part of why Elizabeth has taught here for over a decade. Serving primarily first-generation students, women, and non-native English speakers, the college attracts nontraditional learners whose dedication, discipline, and courage consistently leave her in awe.
“It’s amazing to see students grow before our eyes. Many of them balance caring for kids and elderly parents, working full time, and finally doing something for themselves. The accomplishments of Urban students are just astounding. They come with incredible stories and have overcome so much to be here. When their lightbulb moment hits in class, it’s invigorating - it’s so exciting to see something click, for opportunities to open before their eyes, for them to truly see how far they can go.”