In this episode of The Open System, guest Chris Stewart joins Landon Mascareñaz, Doannie Tran and Stephen Hurley to discuss the pressing need for redesigning education and reigniting democracy.

Chris Stewart is Chief Executive Officer for brightbeam, a nonprofit network of education activists demanding a better education and a brighter future for every child. Chris is a lifelong activist and 20-year supporter of nonprofit and education-related causes. 

Chris blogs and tweets under the name Citizen Stewart. He is based in Minneapolis. (bio excerpted from Ednavigator)

 The conversation explores the disconnect between research and practice in education, the importance of creating inclusive spaces for challenging traditional paradigms, and the political pressures faced by education leaders.

Key takeaways:

1. Education should prioritize individual self-actualization and intellectual development to foster an informed democratic society. Current systems often fall short in achieving these goals.
   
   
2. Creating breakthrough spaces with radical clarity, inclusive democracy, and restructured systems is crucial for fostering disruptive discussions and challenging assumptions in education.
   
   
3. Education leaders must develop new tools to navigate the intense political climate and promote collaboration among diverse stakeholders while working towards a more open and equitable future. By addressing these critical issues, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of education and its role in strengthening democracy.