Civic Education: Top Insights from Educational Leaders

Schools have long been the place where young minds are shaped—not only in terms of academics but also in the principles of citizenship and civil discourse. 

The Learning Can't Wait podcast recently featured two thought leaders, Beverly Leon, CEO and Founder of Local Civics, and Dr. Peter Tragos, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at New Trier High School District. 

Their insightful discussion revolved around how educators can better prepare students to become engaged, critical thinkers in an ever-changing civic landscape.

What Civic Education Is

Civic education isn't just about teaching students how the government works; it’s about instilling critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to engage in meaningful civil discourse. Both Leon and Tragos highlight the importance of framing civic education as a verb—something that students actively engage in, rather than passively learn. In this context, the goal isn’t simply to teach students about the three branches of government or political history; it’s to prepare them for real-world problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and, ultimately, becoming responsible and engaged citizens.

Civic Education and Social Media

One of the central challenges discussed during the podcast was the pervasive influence of social media on today’s students. Dr. Tragos astutely noted that while social media has the power to connect people and spread useful information, it can also narrow perspectives and amplify misinformation. He draws a parallel to Mark Twain’s famous quip, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes,” emphasizing the rapid spread of misinformation in today’s digital world.

Dr. Tragos pointed out that young people aren't the only ones affected—adults also consume much of their news through social media, contributing to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. However, the impact on students is particularly severe, especially in the classroom. According to Dr. Tragos, many students self-censor due to a fear of being "canceled" or publicly criticized for their opinions. This phenomenon creates a chilling effect in classrooms, where students are hesitant to engage in meaningful discussions or voice dissenting opinions.

Reflecting on a poignant LA Times opinion piece, Dr. Tragos shared that this fear of being wrong or called out is stifling classroom discussions. He relayed that some teachers have even started using this article in their classrooms, asking students whether they feel this way. It’s a mixed bag—some students resonate with the idea, while others don’t—but it’s a challenge that educators must confront if they want to create safe spaces for dialogue and inquiry.

Civic Education and Civil Discourse

Both Beverly Leon and Dr. Tragos underscored the need for educators to create environments where students feel comfortable discussing diverse viewpoints. Leon highlighted that schools should focus on building positive relationships and encouraging multiple perspectives, allowing students to engage in civil discourse without the fear of public shaming. In these spaces, students can develop essential skills like media literacy, critical thinking, and discernment, all while practicing civil discourse.

Leon expressed that students today need to acquire and apply these skills more frequently than previous generations, given the constant influx of information from social media platforms. This necessitates a shift in teaching approaches, where educators must provide lower-stakes environments for students to practice these skills. Schools must foster these spaces to help students navigate the complexities of a world where their thoughts and ideas are broadcast beyond the walls of the classroom.

Civic Education and the Teacher’s Role

When asked for advice for new teachers, Beverly Leon emphasized the importance of putting students in the "driver's seat." Rather than imposing their own beliefs, teachers should act as facilitators, guiding students through conversations and inquiry-based learning. This approach not only empowers students to think for themselves but also alleviates the pressure teachers may feel in navigating politically sensitive topics.

Leon stressed that civics is all around us—it’s not just a topic to be covered in government classes but a lens through which students can view their entire community. By focusing on local issues, teachers can make civics relevant to students, showing them how their learning applies directly to their daily lives and futures. This, Leon argued, makes school more engaging and meaningful.

Leading in Civic Education

For educational leaders, the challenge of fostering civic engagement is more systemic. Dr. Tragos offered advice to leaders who are looking to promote civic education in their districts. His first piece of advice: treat civics education as a future-ready skill. It should be woven into the fabric of what schools aim to teach, right alongside skills like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

Dr. Tragos suggested that leaders begin by gathering stakeholders, including students, to establish a set of shared values. From there, leaders can craft a mission statement that affirms the importance of civil discourse and citizenship as central to a school’s educational mission. Civics should not be an afterthought but an integral part of preparing students for the real world.

He also emphasized the importance of partnerships. Schools can’t tackle civic education alone—they need to collaborate with organizations like Local Civics, which specialize in community engagement and teacher development. By working with external partners, schools can expand their resources and create more opportunities for students to engage in real-world civic action.

Conclusion

The conversation between Beverly Leon and Dr. Peter Tragos brought to light the challenges and opportunities facing civic education today. Whether addressing the negative impact of social media or the fear of self-censorship, both leaders emphasized the critical role that educators and schools play in preparing students to become engaged, thoughtful citizens.

Beverly Leon reminded us of the importance of giving students agency in their learning, while Dr. Tragos highlighted the need for systemic support and clear values within schools. Together, their insights paint a hopeful picture of what civic education can achieve when approached thoughtfully and with intention.

As Leon aptly put it, "Young people are in the best position to come with fresh perspectives and ideas," and it is the responsibility of educators and leaders alike to give them the tools, the space, and the encouragement to do so.