Democratizing Schools and Systems
Program Description:
The course draws from research in political science on applied democratic theory to train students for on-the-ground democratic leadership.
Participants will acquire actionable skills for making schools and school systems more participatory—from initiating democratic public polling practices to running inclusive campaigns to designing equitable budgeting processes. Through interactive modules, simulations, and real-world planning, students will leave with a strategic roadmap to democratize schools, school districts, and even parent and student organizations.
Dates & Registration
Dates: TBA
Times: TBA
Format: TBA
Price: TBA
Please Note: This course is offered on a non-credit basis or for x credits. Registration for this course through TC Academy is for the non-credit offering and Academic Credits will not be awarded. For instructions on how to register for the credit offering see below.
For more information, questions, or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
This course can be taken for credit in accordance with TC's enrollment policies. If you are not a current student and would like to take this course for credit, please review the Non-Degree Application Instructions page on our website and proceed accordingly. Also, please note that if you plan to take this on a for-credit basis, college tuition and fees will apply. If you are a continuing student in a degree program and have approval from your advisor, you can register for this course beginning on December 1st. Winter session courses will follow spring registration and payment deadlines.
Faculty
Jonathan Collins
Assistant Professor; Co-Director, Politics & Education Program; Director and Founder, School Board and Youth Engagement (S-BYE) Lab; Associate Director, Center for Educational Equity
Jonathan E. Collins, Ph.D. is a writer, political scientist, and education policy scholar. Dr. Collins is an assistant professor of political science and education at Teachers College, Columbia University and an assistant professor of political science (by courtesy) at Columbia University. A nationally renowned education policy scholar, Dr. Collins has been quoted in the New York Times, the Economist, NBC News, ABC News, the Boston Globe, the San Diego Tribune, Chalkbeat, and more. He has been a frequent political analyst for Scripps News and KBLA Talk 1580 "A More Perfect Union." Collins has also published opinion-editorials in the Washington Post, Education Week, and the 74. He is a regular columnist for Phi Delta Kappan.
At Teachers College, Collins directs the Politics and Education graduate programs, while also serving as the associate director of the Center for Educational Equity. Through the Center, Collins founded and currently directs the School Board and Youth Engagement (S-BYE) Lab. Through the S-BYE Lab, Collins is the co-creator of OUTREACH, a digital platform for fostering efficient community engagement. Prior to joining the faculty at Columbia University, Collins was the Mary Tefft and John Hazen White Sr. Assistant Professor of Education, Political Science (by courtesy), and International and Public Affairs at Brown University.
Learning Objectives
TBA
Who Should Attend
Education leaders, policy professionals, and civic changemakers
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that showcase your commitment to professional growth and can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
Important Notice: This is a non-credit program. Completion does not provide academic credit toward any degree program at Teachers College or other institutions. No transcript credit will be awarded.