Why Civic Education is Important - Emmanuel George Interview

In the latest episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, Emmanuel George, New York Regional Superintendent at Democracy Prep, shares how his upbringing, marked by humility, respect, and civic duty, profoundly shaped his educational philosophy. At Democracy Prep, the integration of civics education ensures students are actively engaged in the political process, empowering them to impact their communities positively. Key to this success are robust community partnerships, providing essential support to students, and a focus on recruiting dedicated educators committed to continuous improvement. Democracy Prep's holistic approach, encompassing academics, arts, and athletics, fosters well-rounded individuals ready to contribute as active, informed citizens. Emmanuel's insights highlight the powerful role of community and education in shaping future leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of Humility and Respect: Early influences, especially family, play a crucial role in shaping values such as humility, respect, and civic-mindedness.
• Civics Education from a Young Age: Democracy Prep integrates civics education into the curriculum, encouraging active participation and awareness among students from an early age.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborations with families and community organizations are vital in providing additional support and resources for students.
• Teacher Recruitment and Development: The emphasis is on hiring teachers who are open to growth, possess strong content knowledge, and are committed to educating under-resourced communities.
• Whole Child Development: A well-rounded education that includes arts, athletics, and academic rigor is essential for comprehensive student development.

In the latest episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast, our host Hayley Spira-Bauer is joined by Emmanuel George, New York Regional Superintendent at Democracy Prep Public Schools as he delves into the foundational experiences and values that have shaped his approach to teaching and education. Reflecting on his upbringing, Emmanuel highlights the profound influence of his older brothers and mother, who instilled in him the values of humility, respect, and a sense of civic duty. These early lessons have significantly informed his educational philosophy and his work at Democracy Prep, a school dedicated to fostering civic engagement and leadership among its students.

Early Influences and Foundational Values of Emmanuel George

Growing up, Emmanuel was surrounded by examples of humility and respect, qualities that his older brothers and mother emphasized as crucial for personal and community development. His mother, in particular, played a significant role in shaping his worldview, teaching him the importance of giving back to the community and being an active participant in civic life. These early experiences laid the groundwork for Emmanuel's passion for education and his commitment to nurturing similar values in his students.

“I am a basic amalgamation of the people who had the greatest influence of me… [my brothers] are also exceptionally humble and I think that’s something that really just shaped me personally in terms of just making sure that on a day-to-day basis that you take in life as it comes, you treat everybody with respect, you’re never too big to acknowledge people or whatever the case may be.” — Emmanuel George

What Integrating Civics Education Is

At Democracy Prep, the curriculum is designed to integrate civics education from an early age, ensuring that students are not only aware of their rights and responsibilities but are also actively engaged in the political process. Emmanuel shares how students participate in various civic activities, such as distributing voting flyers and serving on student councils. These experiences provide students with practical insights into how political systems work and empower them to make a tangible impact on their communities. By instilling these practices early, Democracy Prep aims to develop informed, active citizens who are prepared to lead and advocate for positive change.

“One of our capstone courses for our seniors was called ‘Change the World’.  They literally had to go out and execute to help change the world… something that kids felt passionate about, so they understand the system itself, they understand how the system is applied, and then they understand how they contribute to the system, as well.” — Emmanuel George

The Power of Community Partnerships in Education

A significant aspect of Democracy Prep's success lies in its robust partnerships with families and community organizations. Emmanuel emphasizes that these collaborations are crucial for providing additional support and resources to students, particularly those facing systemic challenges. By working closely with families and local organizations, Democracy Prep can address various barriers to education and ensure that students have access to the necessary tools and support systems to succeed. This community-centric approach not only enhances educational outcomes but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility and support.

“[Students] have power in their voices. We want them to be in a room with people who hold powerful seats, but also exercise their own power, as well.” — Emmanuel George

Recruiting and Developing Dedicated Educators

Another key element of Democracy Prep's approach is its focus on recruiting and developing dedicated educators. Emmanuel explains that the school prioritizes hiring teachers who are open to growth and coaching, possess strong content knowledge, and are deeply committed to educating students from under-resourced communities. The willingness to improve and adapt is considered more critical than initial skill level, as it reflects a teacher's dedication to their professional development and their students' success. This emphasis on continuous improvement ensures that educators at Democracy Prep are equipped to provide high-quality, impactful education.

While looking for qualified teachers, Emmanuel also shares he looks for teachers who understand that these student’s educations are critically important to their future opportunities and success. Some of the communities Democracy Prep serves have unique challenges students have to overcome that are not a reality for many other students. Educators must know why their jobs are incredibly important and have to show up prepared to teach and inspire their students daily.

“So you have to really think, why are you here? You’re not here to save the day… they understand if you are prepared that you respect them and you understand why this education means a lot more to them than maybe some other communities where that’s just a given.” — Emmanuel George

Whole Child Development with Civics Education

Democracy Prep's educational philosophy extends beyond academics to encompass whole child development. Emmanuel describes how the school offers a well-rounded education that includes arts, athletics, and rigorous academic instruction. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills, experiences, and resilience needed to succeed in life. By fostering a supportive and enriching environment, Democracy Prep helps students develop into well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute positively to their communities.

5 Steps for Bringing Partnerships Into Your Schools

1. Identify Your Gaps: Seek out local organizations that can help you inside or outside of the school day. Think about child safety, unique study arrangements, or classes you many not be able to offer, but a different organization can.
2. Engage with Local Community Leaders: Build relationships with local reverends, community leaders, and ethnic leaders. A great first step for this is to offer your school spaces, like a gym or auditorium, for community events to foster stronger ties. This can also help build your school’s reputation. Think outside the box and strive to find leaders who represent your student body.
3. Be Open to Collaboration: Be willing to engage with people who approach with ideas or programs, even if they come through cold calls or neighborhood contacts. Leverage your leadership titles, like that of a superintendent, to facilitate partnerships and attract support for the school. Seek out and establish partnerships that benefit both the school and the community.
4. Address Specific Student Needs: Know and understand the specific challenges your students face, such as street violence or food insecurity,  and seek relevant support. Research and work closely with organizations like the the local police department or churches for issues like safe after-school spaces and violence intervention.
5. Find and Support Existing Programs: Learn what organizations your students and teachers already attend to provide additional support and resources. This is an easy way to start a connection with a warm introduction.

Conclusion

Emmanuel's insights in this episode of the Learning Can’t Wait podcast underscore the importance of a holistic, community-focused approach to education. By integrating civics education from a young age, fostering strong community partnerships, prioritizing teacher development, and focusing on whole child development, Democracy Prep is preparing its students to be active, informed, and engaged citizens. Emmanuel's reflections remind us of the powerful impact that dedicated educators and supportive communities can have on shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

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