STAR Innovator Spotlight – Robert Flynn

American Public Square

How do you get people on opposite sides of an issue to engage in civil conversations without resorting to anger and name-calling?

American Public Square, a non-profit organization that creates spaces for meaningful conversations and promotes fact-based civil discourse, offers an answer. Their civics education initiative includes a custom-developed high school curriculum focused on learning about misinformation, disinformation and bias. It enables students to produce compelling and relevant programs on significant and difficult issues in our community.

Above: Seven area high schools – including 15 students from St. Teresa’s Academy – recently participated in American Public Square learning and civil discourse exercises.

Students Select Gun Control as APS Topic

Robert Flynn’s passion for this issue motivated him to partner with APS and introduce his AP Government students to the curriculum. In addition to several in-class lessons, the program includes a project-based learning component that allows students to apply what they learn to an authentic project titled “Reimagine the Square.”

Students in his classes applied to participate and recently attended the first of several learning sessions. At the event, STA students engaged in team building and collaborative brainstorming with 75 students from seven area high schools. They selected gun control as the topic for an April symposium hosted at the Plaza Library. Over the next few months, students will meet to plan the event details and recommend a professional panel of experts representing diverse perspectives on the issue.

STA students were excited to share about the program and Tuesday’s event. Lucia Thomas said, “Collaborating with other students was challenging but also rewarding. Some people were very vocal about their opinions, but also some encouraged those who were more quiet to participate.” Ana Klein highlighted her goal for participating in the project, “I like pushing ourselves to see from other perspectives more often and with more conscious effort.” Anna Rizzo commented, “I hope it opens people’s minds to be considerate of people on both sides of the issues and make them not be so harsh on others.”

What is a STAR Innovator?

Robert Flynn’s passion for creating authentic learning opportunities for students is evident in his work as a STAR Innovator. STAR Innovators are a group of teachers who are selected for their commitment to innovation and their ability to create relevant and engaging learning experiences.

STA teachers can apply to be a 2024-25 Innovator, which includes a $500 stipend. Applications will be posted on the faculty portal in April. For more information, contact Kelly Finn.