By Gustavo Rojas Ayala, co-director Harvard Alumni for Education LATAM
On Thursday, June 5th, Harvard Alumni for Education LATAM hosted an inspiring conversation with educator, author, and activist Linda Nathan. The webinar focused on her most recent book, Designing Democratic Schools and Learning Environments, which I had the honor of co-editing. Our exchange served as a powerful invitation to rethink schools as living spaces for democracy.
Linda opened by unpacking what democratic education truly means. It’s not a checklist of strategies—it’s about building living communities where agency, voice, and collective responsibility can thrive. In simple terms: schools where democracy is learned by living it.
She then shared the book’s guiding framework, which centers on four core pillars:
An open flow of ideas and choices,
High-quality, inclusive, and accessible education for all,
Active engagement in service of the common good,
Deep collaboration with families and communities.
This is not a prescriptive model, but an ethical compass to design learning environments that respond to diverse realities—especially those marked by historic inequality.
We then explored the essential role of teachers. Linda was unequivocal: there can be no democratic schools without democratic conditions for educators. Professional autonomy, participation in decision-making, collaborative cultures, and long-term stability are all foundational so that teachers can act as true agents of change.
A key part of the conversation focused on designing democratic spaces in contexts shaped by inequity. Linda pushed us to challenge the assumption that marginalized communities need order and control. Quite the opposite: these are the spaces where freedom, play, agency, and opportunity are most essential.
We also discussed how school leaders can intentionally cultivate democratic culture—not only in classrooms, but across governance, family partnerships, and everyday decision-making. Democratic culture is not declared—it’s built, embodied, and nurtured. From the school’s systems and policies to its daily routines and values, everything matters.
Finally, Linda shared what gives her hope: her students. Seeing them take on leadership roles and drive change across schools and communities is what sustains her—especially in a time when democratic principles are under threat globally. Their courage, creativity, and commitment to justice are a reminder that another future is possible.
You can watch the webinar’s recording here: Webinar with Dr. Linda Nathan! | Harvard Alumni for Education - Latin America and Caribbean
