What responsibility does higher education bear in increasing civic engagement and promoting civil discourse?  University of Virginia President Jim Ryan reflects on the purpose of education, the importance of diversity in discussion, experience, and thought as a way to protect democratic norms.  How does the ecosystem of the University provide students the chance to examine the different roles a citizen can play in promoting change. 

Is civic education the cure to the nation’s polarization problem? Alex Addison, teacher of Advanced Placement and standard government at James River High School in Richmond, Virginia discusses his thoughts on what constitutes quality civic education and the challenges he faces regarding curriculum choices in the face of anti-CRT pressures.  Despite being concerned about our present state of democracy, he expresses hope due to the optimism and curiosity of his students. 

What happens when a class from Brooklyn and Madison connect?  This episode allows four students, two from Bank Street School and Madison High School, to discuss what they experienced during the Building Bridges program.  Students credit their teachers with preparing them to share, empathize, and have an open mind during the program modules.  Students commented on the fact that they learned many skills that will assist them in their future lives. Skills such as writing email, online communication, and arguing civilly. “It’s in our nature (as young people) to be open minded,” and it is important for teachers to emphasize and bring out this skill in youth. 

How can two teachers in very different situations bring their students together to discuss politics and build bridges?  Ali Kersie, teacher at Bank Street School in Brooklyn, and Jared Morris, educator from Westel Middle School in Madison County, Virginia, share their experiences working together to end political polarization by connecting their students and engaging them in civil discourse.  Themes discussed include the need for empathy, shared understanding, and how to scaffold civil discourse, and the discussion of difficult political issues.

In this episode, UVA Center for Politics interns, Ben Hummer and Tory Knachel interview teachers and students from across the nation asking them how civics education can save democracy. The podcast features Ali McKersie of the Bank Street School in New York and Jared Morris, a Division Curriculum Innovation Lead at Madison County Public Schools in Virginia.