Pragmatism in the classroom: Lessons from Dewey, Maxine Greene, and Eleanor Duckworth

Pragmatism in the classroom: Lessons from Dewey, Maxine Greene, and Eleanor Duckworth

Author: Ethical Schools December 3, 2025 Duration: 49:16
We speak with Dr. Susan Jean Mayer about her recent book, "Practicing Pragmatism Through Progressive Pedagogies: A Philosophical Lens for Grounding Classroom Teaching and Research." Dr. Mayer defines pragmatism in today's world and discusses the importance of critical exploration, democratic construction of knowledge, and openness to diversity of perspectives in the classroom. As teachers and learners, we can construct a shared set of values based on our experiential realities and come to understand these realities in coherent terms. Overview00:00-00:36 Intros 00:36-02:55 How to define pragmatism in today’s world 02:55-05:34 How to define final truth 05:34-06:53 How to define an ethical classroom 06:53-11:29 Ethical and democratic classrooms: the same or how they may differ 11:29-15:03 Knowledge, experience, and education 15:03-17:55 Critical exploration in the classroom 17:55-21:05 Classroom example of critical exploration 21:05-23:49 How a critical exploration teacher can intervene when students are wrong 23:49-27:25 When inviting different perspectives and belief systems doesn’t come naturally to students 27:25-28:56 Schools aren’t encouraging students to talk to one another; have succumbed to discourse of test scores 28:56-33:20 How teachers can become more comfortable with perspectives they may disagree with 33:20-37:11 How pragmatic teachers can deal with a school system structured to eliminate or minimize cultural diversity 37:11-40:47 Balancing ties to local communities with supporting students who want to break from the consensus of the community 40:47-47:19 How teachers can help create a system of education based on pragmatism 47:19- Outro TranscriptClick here to see the full transcript of this episode. References Book Practicing Pragmatism through Progressive PedagogiesA Philosophical Lens for Grounding Classroom Teaching and Research by Susan Jean Mayer Susan Jean Mayer's website Soundtrack by Poddington Bear 

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Ethical Schools
Podcast Episodes
Resilience: Preparing Children to Weather Traumatic Events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:41
We speak with Dr. Tovah P. Klein, professor of psychology at Barnard College and the director of the Center for Toddler Development, about her book, “Raising Resilience: How to Help Our Children Thrive in Times of Uncert…
Marygrove School: Place- and project-based teaching and learning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:06
We speak with Dr. Elizabeth Birr Moje, dean and professor at the Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan. Dr. Moje discusses Detroit’s School at Marygrove, a university-school partnership serving childr…
Honesty: What it means and how to teach it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:21
We talk with Sarah Stitzlein, author of "Teaching honesty in a populist era: Emphasizing truth in the education of citizens." Dr. Stitzlein, a professor of education and affiliate professor of philosophy at the Universit…
Creating democratic learning environments: Educators in conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:48
We speak with Dr. Linda F. Nathan and Jonathan Mendonca, two co-editors of the recently published book, "Building Democratic Schools and Learning Environments: A Global Perspective," an anthology of accounts of creating…
Successful Teaching Careers: Empowering Non-Traditional Candidates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:26
We speak with Dr. Kathryn Spence, Director of the School of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, about actualizing a focus on social justice and equity. She discusses strategies for broadening the pipeline of tea…
NYC high school surveys: Disparities in student stress and support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:01
The authors of a recent Chalkbeat analysis discuss the Department of education’s 2023 high school survey, which shows girls, especially girls of color, have much higher stress levels, and feel less supported, than boys.…
Middle schoolers as scholars: Critical participatory action research [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:13
We speak with Dr. Sam Finesurrey, assistant professor of history at Guttman Community College, and three 2024 graduates of School in the Square (S2), a charter middle school in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Dr. Finesurr…