April 14, 2026

253. How to Build the Habits of Democracy with Dr. Sarah Burnham

253. How to Build the Habits of Democracy with Dr. Sarah Burnham
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Season 6

How can schools help students practice democracy—not just learn about it?

In this episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons sits down with civic education researcher Dr. Sarah Burnham to explore how classrooms can cultivate the habits of democracy, civic engagement, and critical consciousness in young people.

Dr. Burnham, a researcher at Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University, shares insights from research on civic education, student belonging, and anti-oppressive attitudes in youth. Together they discuss why civic learning must move beyond memorizing government structures to include student voice, inquiry-based learning, participatory decision-making, and real-world civic action.

You’ll hear powerful examples of schools using participatory budgeting, collaborative decision-making, and student-led initiatives to strengthen school communities and foster civic identity. Dr. Burnham also explains how families can support civic development at home through everyday conversations, community involvement, and modeling respectful disagreement.

If you’re an educator, school leader, or parent who wants to empower young people to see themselves as active participants in democracy, this episode is packed with research-backed strategies and inspiring ideas.

Key Topics in This Episode

  • What it means to build the habits of democracy in classrooms

  • Why student belonging and representation are critical for civic learning

  • The research behind critical consciousness and anti-oppressive attitudes

  • How inquiry-based civic education strengthens engagement and agency

  • Examples of participatory budgeting in schools

  • The role of student voice and shared decision-making

  • Why civic education does not lead to political indoctrination

  • How families can support youth civic engagement at home

Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/253

Connect with guest Dr. Sarah Burnham