To Protect Democracy Keep Controversies, Current Events, and Politics in the Classroom

To Protect Democracy Keep Controversies, Current Events, and Politics in the Classroom

Author: Teacher Stories October 13, 2021 Duration: 32:55
Is it appropriate – even a good thing in this time of intense political division -- for social studies teachers to bring politics, current events, and highly controversial issues into the classroom? Diana Hess is a former social studies teacher, now Dean of the College of Education at the University of Wisconsin, and a nationally recognized expert on civic education. Drawing upon extensive research on classroom practices, she argues that in a democratic society these topics must be part of the curriculum and that teachers can (and most often do) discuss them without being partisan.

Behind every person who learns, there is someone who taught them. Teacher Stories is a quiet space dedicated entirely to those someones. This podcast moves beyond the general appreciation for educators to share the specific, often overlooked moments that define a life in the classroom. Each episode features a different voice-sometimes a teacher recounting a breakthrough or a challenge, other times a former student sharing how an educator’s influence quietly shaped their path years later. You’ll hear the unscripted reality of the profession: the small victories that happen off the report card, the frustrations that never make it to a staff meeting, and the profound connections that form in the most unexpected ways. By listening to these personal narratives, we get a clearer, more human picture of the immense role teachers play in stitching the fabric of our communities together. The stories collected here are a testament to the lasting impact of a single dedicated individual. Tune in for a genuine, heartfelt exploration of education from the inside out, one story at a time. This podcast is an ongoing conversation about why these personal histories matter, inviting everyone to reflect on the educators who left a mark on their own lives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 71

Teacher Stories
Podcast Episodes
Teaching Restrictions in Texas - A Threat to our Democracy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
In June 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill (HB 3979) that restricts what teachers can do in public school classrooms. Teachers can no longer be required to participate in training about race or sex stereotypi…
Democracy and our Schools - The Power of Civic Engagement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:10
Three civic education experts -- Joseph Kahne, Alejandra Frausto, and Eve Vankley express their concerns about the current state of American democracy and explain how real-world civic engagement in schools prepares young…
Democracy And Schools - Education For Character [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:41
This episode is part of our series on what schools can do to help save our democracy. Guests include Dr. Marvin W. Berkowitz, McDonnell Professor of Character Education at the Center for Character Education and Citizensh…
David Berliner's Teacher Story - "A Hug For Jennifer" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:50
David Berliner, one of this country's preeminent education scholars, tells the story of a teacher named Jennifer, whose classroom he visited many years ago. "I like visiting classrooms," Berliner says, "in part because t…
The Life-Changing Impact of Just a Few Words [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:22
Dino Luna was about to become a pilot but switched careers after accidentally falling in love with teaching. Now a veteran educator, Luna reflects on what it takes to be of service to his colleagues as an instructional c…
The Power of Stories and Early Relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
When 4th grade teacher Miriam Marecek turned down the lights and lit the reading candle, magic happened. Pediatrician and journalist Perri Klass describes what it was like being one of Ms. Marecek's students and the impa…