ABSTRACT
In this chapter the author blends classroom narrative with research and commentary to show that student autonomy and agency are foundational components of education that promotes citizenship, civic participation, and democratic values. He explains that teachers, like democratic societies, are charged with finding the right balance between liberty and equality, and that the values that healthy democracies are built upon cannot be fostered in educational environments in which democracy is absent. Using an example from a school that was founded on democratic principles, he explains how creating an environment where students are nurtured as they take calculated risks can help develop better critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our next generation.
