The Great Thanksgiving Listen

Digital Promise has partnered with StoryCorps, a national non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. At Digital Promise, we believe that nothing inspires, mobilizes, and builds capacity for change like stories. It’s our common practice to document the progress of districts, schools, educators, and students toward transforming teaching and learning and expanding opportunity for all.

We’re thrilled to participate in StoryCorp’s The Great Thanksgiving Listen, a national oral history project that empowers young people – and people of all ages – to connect with a mentor, a family member, or someone they admire throughout the month of November, and record an interview with them using the free StoryCorps App. By participating, students will experience storytelling, interviewing, speaking, and editing skills, all of which are enabled by the powerful use of technology.

I chose to participate in The Great Thanksgiving Listen by interviewing my mentor, Dr. Linda Roberts. She has given me great advice over the years and now I can share it with you. We couldn’t possibly fit all of the wonderful stories Linda told in a short clip, so soon we’ll share a longer version of my interview with Dr. Roberts as part of our new podcast series, “Reflections on Leadership, Learning & Technology”.

Educators can download the Teacher Toolkit and StoryCorps App for free. Here are just a few of the questions you can ask your loved ones and mentors this holiday season:

Tell me about one of the most important people in your life.

Tell me about the person who has had the greatest influence on your life.

What lessons did they teach you?

Who has been the kindest to you and why?

What are some important life lessons?

Learn more by visiting the StoryCorps website.