In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Diana Turk to discuss civic engagement and supporting children in their engagement. We explore traditional and critical civic engagement. Diana provides a definition of civic engagement that includes community building, empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives. She emphasizes the importance of involving children in civic activities from a young age, modeling thoughtful discussions, and explaining the "why" behind our actions. Diana provides practical examples, like discussing the reasoning behind supporting a particular cause or candidate, and involving children in community service. She also highlights the importance of empowering neurodivergent children to participate in civic life and provides resources for families to support their children's civic engagement. For more information on Dr. Turk and her work please visit her website

Diana Turk is the Director of Teacher Education at NYU Steinhardt's School of Culture Education, and Human Development and an associate professor of Teaching and Learning. Diana received her MA and PhD in American Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park. She brings to her work in teacher education a passion for civic engagement, a commitment to teaching for democratic change, and a dedication to the fundamental belief that all teachers must be prepared to reach and teach all learners. Actively committed to an ongoing anti-racist journey, Diana recognizes the need for all students to have teachers who see, know, and understand them, as well as look like them, Diana is passionate about building a highly diverse and effective teacher corps that is anti-racist, culturally sustaining, and rigorously dedicated to teaching and guiding the nation’s children.