In this series of dicussions, we share our research on and experiences with models of radical education.

The History of Education:

What models for alternative education already exist? How can the teaching of practical skills be related to social justice? We present historic models of alternative education to examine how artist-run schools fit into that framework. In particular, we explore Montessori and Waldorf methods, the Free School Movement, Democratic Education, Progressive Education, and Craft Revival. Marit Dewhurst discusses the strategies of Paulo Freire and the Highlander Folk School. I put together a zine about the event which you can download here.

The Future of Education:
A performative discussion about emergent models and imagined futures of education found in both institutional and community-based settings. We collaboratively develop ideas for our own “school of the future” and hear presentations from NYC Dept of Education’s Director of Sustainability - Ozgem Ornektekin, organizers of the School of the Future project, the Bushwick Unschool and a screening of “We Have to Call It School”.

Conversations at the Commons is organized in collaboration with Chris Kennedy with the support of Caroline Woolard and Melissa Ennen of The Commons.