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\nStephen J. Parks - Democratic Futures Project\n

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\n\nPublisher:\n\nBrainwaves Video Anthology\n\n\n
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\nSteve Parks, a professor of English at the University of Virginia and director of the Democratic Futures Project, reflects on his 30-year mission to use education as a tool for strengthening democracy. He believes the classroom has a...\nSteve Parks, a professor of English at the University of Virginia and director of the Democratic Futures Project, reflects on his 30-year mission to use education as a tool for strengthening democracy. He believes the classroom has a dual purpose: to teach academic content and to prepare students to be engaged, effective democratic citizens. Throughout his career—from Temple to Syracuse and now UVA—Parks has connected students with local communities on issues like homelessness, disability rights, gentrification, and policing. In recent years, he’s responded to growing political polarization by bringing international democracy advocates—many of whom face real danger for their activism—into his classroom. Their stories help students see that even under authoritarianism, small, practical steps can rebuild democracy. Parks now helps students engage both locally and globally, showing them that their education has the power to improve democracy at home and abroad, and instilling in them a deep sense of global citizenship. \n
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Resource Details

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Curator Rating
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Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
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Media Length
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3:47
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Grade
Higher Ed
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Subjects
Social Studies & History
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Media Type
Instructional Videos
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Source:
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\nBrainwaves Video Anthology\n\n
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Date
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2025
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Language
English
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Audiences
For Teacher Use
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Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
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Additional Materials

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Concepts

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education, schools, thomas jefferson, democracy, virginia
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Additional Tags

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school leadership, teaching, learning, brainwaves, bob greenberg, thai border, huge faith, military, students, professor, talk, story, people, universities, advocates, academics, jail
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Classroom Considerations

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Video is ad-free
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Educator Ratings

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\n\nShow resource details\n
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