167: Facilitating Learning and Discourse to Empower Civics Education

Tara Cocanower, the 2023 Indiana Teacher of the Year, shares her passion for teaching and the importance of empathy in the classroom. She emphasizes the value of connecting with students and helping them develop their worldviews. Tara discusses the use of primary and secondary sources, AI technology, and hands-on activities to engage students in learning. She also highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in education, as well as the importance of teacher autonomy and voice in driving change and equity discussions.  The conversation explores strategies for helping students form their own identity as historians and world changers. It emphasizes the importance of making connections between different subjects and real-world issues, particularly in rural areas where civic engagement may be lacking. The guests discuss the significance of involving students in decision-making and creating a space for open dialogue. They also highlight the need for teachers to advocate for themselves and their ideas. The conversation concludes with the importance of knowing students' anchors and providing support during challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of knowing and supporting students' anchors, reminding them of what brings them joy and makes them feel safe. Tara also discusses the best advice she's received, which is to believe that she is enough. She highlights the need for educators to connect with each other and seek support during challenging times. Additionally, Tara encourages teachers to embrace failure and constantly seek to innovate and adapt their teaching strategies.

Takeaways

• Empathy is a crucial value in the classroom, allowing students to connect with the material and develop their own worldview.

• Using primary and secondary sources, AI technology, and hands-on activities can engage students and help them analyze information from different perspectives.

• Flexibility and adaptability are essential in education, as change is inevitable and necessary for progress.

• Teacher autonomy and voice are important in driving change and equity discussions in education.

• Help students form their own identity as historians and world changers

• Make connections between different subjects and real-world issues

• Involve students in decision-making and create a space for open dialogue

• Advocate for yourself and your ideas as a teacher

• Know students' anchors and provide support during challenging times Teachers should know and support students' anchors, reminding them of what brings them joy and makes them feel safe.

• Believe that you are enough and deserving of your role as an educator.

• Connect with other educators and seek support during challenging times.

• Embrace failure and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

• Constantly seek to innovate and adopt new teaching strategies.

Twitter: @T_Cocanower 

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