Creating a Complete Learning Community

Abstract

More than one hundred years ago, John Dewey espoused an aligned belief that classrooms should be a model of the family, a complete community where students would be nurtured and grow through the learning culture. His profound belief in democracy and progressive education focused his pedagogical philosophy around creating civically engaged citizens. This ideal is one that is critically needed in 2020—the year where racial and social justice and a global pandemic have unearthed and tested individual and systemic rights and responsibilities, requiring civically engaged citizens to move us through this unprecedented time. This article is an article of stories to encourage and anchor the reader in the mission and vision of two purpose-filled organizations (Tribes Learning Community and Peace Learning Center) that have taken Dewey’s beliefs and philosophy in a civically engaged, democratic classroom to the level of restorative action to build safe and courageous learning communities of trust and care for our students and the future of our world beyond the year 2020.