The Civically Engaged Districts Project - Part 1, with Prof. Beth Rubin (Rutgers University) and District Administrators (New Brunswick Public Schools) Artwork

Education for Sustainable Democracy

This show explores how we can prepare the next generation for informed civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and the development of a more just and peaceful world. Host Brett Levy is a researcher of civic and environmental education and an associate professor at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Episodes feature interviews with leaders, innovators, and scholars in civic and environmental education. Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or listen from your computer. For information about upcoming episodes, guests, and more, please visit www.esdpodcast.org. Thank you!

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Education for Sustainable Democracy

The Civically Engaged Districts Project - Part 1, with Prof. Beth Rubin (Rutgers University) and District Administrators (New Brunswick Public Schools)

December 07, 2021

Many civic education programs focus on generating civically engaging classroom experiences, and these are very important. But what structures and systems exist at the school district level to support youth civic engagement? How can districts foster a "civic ecosystem" that encourages youth voice and activism - and leverages these assets to enhance the district's culture?

Professor Beth Rubin of Rutgers University has been working closely with administrators and teachers in New Brunswick Public Schools on the Civically Engaged Districts Project. This project, supported by the Spencer Foundation, aims to foster youth civic inquiry about authentic local challenges and to engage administrators, teachers, and students in addressing these challenges.

This episode features Dr. Rubin and three district leaders from New Brunswick Public Schools who have worked on the Project, including Dr. Aubrey Johnson (Superintendent), Dr. Marnie McKoy (former Human Resources Director), and Dr. Lennox Small (Humanities Curriculum Supervisor).

Part 2 of this series will feature students and teachers who have been involved in the project. Please check it out!

Resources Related to the Civically Engaged Districts Project:

Civically Engaged Districts Projects Website

Youth Participatory Action Research Hub (curricular resources)

Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (YELL) Curriculum Guide

Related Articles by Beth Rubin:

Towards a Civically Relevant Civics Education (in TRSE)

Confronting the Urban Civic Opportunity Gap (in JTE)

Navigating Y-PAR in the Classroom (Curriculum Inquiry)

ESD Podcast Resources:

Education for Sustainable Democracy Site

Brett Levy's Open Access Research Articles

Prior ESD Episodes on Y-PAR:

Students Addressing Public Issues through Action Civics, with Scott Warren (Generation Citizen)

Youth Exploring Issues & Taking Action, with Jill Bass (Mikva Challenge)

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