Structured Democratic VOice

Structured Democratic Voice (SDV) is a theory that remains at the core of all our initiatives.

Learn more about how TEAL is approaching education democratically.  

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What is it?

SDV is a theory put forward by our Board Chair, William Smith, and education policy expert Aaron Benavot, which involves creating regular, organized ways for educators to participate in education development.

Whereas traditional methods like surveys can be occasional and extractive, these platforms are on-going, conversational, and collaborative.

Rebuilding Trust.

A key element of democratizing education is rebuilding trust. SDV is designed to achieve this across three crucial domains.

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Person

It is pivotal that community members trust in individual teachers. By ensuring these relationships are communicative and healthy, TEAL emphasizes education as a community-building tool and empowers educators to make change.

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Profession

Educators are experts. By offering teachers platforms to apply their experience to education development, TEAL paves the way for educators to participate in shaping the field equitably.

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Process

When educators know that their input makes a difference, they strive confidently to apply new policies and curricula. This increased confidence in the system of education development increases teacher retention and establishes camaraderie, reinforcing trust in the person.

Two approaches.

TEAL applies the two SDV approaches through its empowerment and advocacy initiatives.

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Direct Voice

TEAL’s empowerment initiatives give educators opportunities to apply their experience directly to policy and curriculum development. From town halls to round tables, these platforms empower teachers to share their own experiences.

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Representative Voice

TEAL’s advocacy initiatives represent the voice of educators - especially those who center the crucial work of being in the classroom. By advocating for teacher’s priorities in rooms shared with development agencies and education companies, TEAL makes sure that all teachers’ voices are heard.

Who is talking about SDV?

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International Labour Organization

Select a photo to learn more.

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Steering Committee

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Chanel Marie Payne, New Orleans School Board 2020 candidate

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Andy Miller, in a testimony in support of 2022 Wisconsin Parents Bill of Rights

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In applying the principles of SDV, TEAL is building a more democratic education system that prioritizes the voices of educators in any space where development decisions are being made. This value is consistent across TEAL’s partnerships and initiatives.