“Dialogue isn’t about changing opinions; it’s about understanding each other.”
Jared Morris, Education Specialist & Instructional Coach, Office of the Undersecretary for Education, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.
On This Episode
We’re excited to share a conversation led by two Beardstown High School freshmen, Vraj and Genesis, as they interview Jared Moris and Ali McKersie, the founders of the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange (DiDVE) program. Beardstown High School was selected as one of just 20 schools nationwide to participate in the inaugural cohort of this groundbreaking program, developed in partnership with the Smithsonian. As part of this first group of students to experience the DiDVE program, Vraj and Genesis connected with students from Boise, Idaho to reflect on their local histories, civic identities, and shared challenges in order to foster greater understanding, empathy, and civic engagement. This semester, Vraj and Genesis are connecting with students from Idaho, Texas, and Hawaii. The exchange program is facilitated by social studies teacher Mr. Nic Skinner.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting diverse community stories and reinforcing the importance of dialogue in a thriving democracy. Through this episode, we’ll explore how this program is making an impact, why these conversations matter, and what the future holds for student-led civic engagement.
What you’ll Learn in this Episode
- The mission of DiDVE and how it helps students build connections across communities.
- The power of dialogue in creating understanding, even when perspectives differ.
- Virtual vs. in-person exchanges: How technology is used to bridge distances and create meaningful interactions.
- Challenges and successes in organizing these conversations in schools.
- The future of the program and ideas for expanding student participation.
Questions for Discussion
- Have you ever had a conversation that changed the way you saw an issue? What happened?
- How do you think schools can better support student-led dialogue initiatives?
- What are some benefits and limitations of virtual exchanges compared to in-person experiences?
- How can young people take the lead in fostering civic discussions in their communities?
“When you hear someone’s story, you understand where they come from, and that leads to civic friendship.”
Ali McKersie, Education Specialist & Instructional Coach, Office of the Undersecretary for Education, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.
About Our Guests
Ali McKersie is an education specialist and instructional coach with the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange program at the Smithsonian Office of the Under Secretary for Education, where the 26-year veteran of middle-school classroom teaching is thrilled to be applying her knowledge and experience in new and innovative ways. Jared Morris served 17 years in public education as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and curriculum lead. As an education specialist for the Smithsonian’s Office of the Under Secretary for Education, he currently co-leads the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange program.
Sources to Explore
The Forgottonia Project 