Teaching the Foundations of American Democracy
A Talk with Peter Levine, a national leader in civic education
SPI records and shares first-person narratives that bring history, science, the arts, and civic life into focus for students. Our approach is simple: let young people hear directly from the people whose work and experience shape the world around us. Complex ideas become more relatable, and students are invited to connect knowledge with lived experience.
With support from the Putnam Foundation and the generosity of private donors, SPI has expanded its American History collection with a new recording featuring Peter Levine, Professor of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Tufts University and chair of Educating for American Democracy. Professor Levine is a nationally recognized leader in civic learning and youth engagement.
Professor Levine’s recording, now uploaded to the SPI 4–12 Learning Lab, helps students understand the structure and functions of government while highlighting pivotal moments in history when democracy was tested—and when ordinary people came together to uphold its principles.
He also addresses the practical “nuts-and-bolts” skills young people need today, including how groups are organized, how coalitions are formed, and how citizens work together to effect change.
To listen to Professor Levine’s SPI talk, visit:
https://www.storypreservation.org/peter-levine-the-foundations-of-american-democracy
About Story Preservation
Our Mission: Story Preservation Initiative believes in the transformative power of story to connect people around our common humanity and create a better future.
Our Work: We are a leading producer and online distributor of original, content-rich audio-based narratives for K-12 students. SPI stories are the raw materials of history, roadmaps to scientific discovery, and windows to the minds of artists and skilled tradesmen and women.
What We Achieve: SPI brings listeners into personal contact with extraordinary people whose stories engage their hearts and minds, imparting content knowledge and fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking as they open doors to possible career paths in professions associated with the arts, sciences, humanities, and skilled trades. We are fully open-source.
When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.
Visit us here www.storypreservation.org