Deeper Learning for Our Democratic Society – SXSWEDU27 Proposal
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SXSW EDU Proposal: Deeper Learning for Our Democratic Society
Session Format: Panel Discussion (60 minutes)
Primary Track: Work Reimagined track (focus area: Continuing Education)
Description:
Public education has always prepared young people for both work and democratic life. As AI reshapes both, the question is no longer what students should know, but what experiences will help them become thoughtful citizens and purposeful contributors. This session brings together leaders to explore how deeper learning cultivates the durable skills, agency, and civic capacities that strengthen democracy. Drawing on research and practice, participants will leave with practical strategies for designing authentic learning that prepares students to thrive in a democratic society.
Participants will:
- Explore how skills that prepare for college and career overlap with and diverge from those that prepare for civic engagement and democratic citizenry
- Explore how the skills and experience of Deeper Learning support the civic mission of public schools and where there are further opportunities
- Leave with practical design principles for creating experiences that are intellectually challenging, personally meaningful, and built to endure.
Speakers:
Meg Riordan
Meg Riordan, Ph.D., is an education leader with 25+ years designing learning ecosystems that expand access to careers and economic mobility. At the Possible Zone, she leads thought leadership, focused on preparing young people for in-demand careers. Formerly Director of External Research at EL Education, she led a national study on curriculum, coaching, and impact on teachers’ practices and students’ achievement. A former NYC Outward Bound Schools Regional Director, she oversaw a network of schools and led scaling efforts. Meg co-authored Going to Scale with New School Designs and has published in peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Journal of Experiential Education) and publications (e.g., Ed Week, Edutopia). Her work bridges education and industry to reimagine opportunity.
Aurora Kushner
Aurora Kushner is the VP of Programs at NYC Outward Bound Schools, focusing on bringing adventurous learning to schools and students across NYC through deeper learning, Crew, and outdoor adventure. Since she joined in 2012 as a school coach, she has held multiple leadership roles, largely focused on improving coaching and building data systems to better understand programmatic impact. In her current role, she leads strategy and impact, to ensure that young people have opportunities for daring exploration, meaningful challenge and real-world engagement – in schools, in their communities or in the out-of-doors. Previously a founding teacher at The Springfield Renaissance School (MA), an EL Education school, she built interdisciplinary curricula. Her background in formal and non-formal education bridges experiential learning and data-informed practice to advance educational equity.
Chris Chatmon
Chris Chatmon is Founder and CEO of Kingmakers of Oakland (KOO), a movement reimagining education, culture, and wellness to center the beauty, brilliance and innate greatness of Black boys and young men. A lifelong educator, teacher, principal, and Oakland Unified’s first Deputy Chief of Equity, he founded the nation’s first Office of African American Male Achievement, a model now replicated nationwide. Through KOO’s Crowns Curriculum, Sankofa Kings AI, Jegna Literacy Program, and the KOO Labs Design Center and Production House, he equips young people as storytellers, designers, teachers, and civic leaders. Co-author of We Dare Say Love and The Griots of Oakland, Chris is a 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award recipient and an Education Week Leader to Learn From.
Jim May
Jim May is the president & CEO of New Tech Network (NTN), a national education nonprofit transforming K-12 public education. Since joining NTN in 2011 as a School Development Coach, he has held multiple leadership roles, returning in 2022 after a brief hiatus to co-lead the organization before assuming his current position.