Cary Lecture Series Presents: Cultivating Changemakers: Defending Democratic Education Today

Education is an essential component of a healthy democracy. Nearly 400 years ago, Massachusetts opened our country’s first public school. But today public education is under threat. Books are banned, teachers are prevented from teaching facts, and many students experience threats to their safety, identity and ability to thrive in school. Yet educators continue to innovate, collaborate and advocate. Join two award-winning Massachusetts teachers to discuss the state of education and learn about creative approaches to investing in students’ stories, identities and voices.

Jessica Lander was recognized as 2023 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year while teaching history and civics to immigrant-origin students at Lowell High School. She is the author of Making Americans: Stories of Historic Struggles, New Ideas, and Inspiration in Immigrant Education.

Dr. De’Shawn Washington was named 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year while teaching fourth grade in Lexington. As a national advocate and CEO of Cultivating Changemakers LLC, he champions justice-driven education.