22. Professor Scott Seider — Educating for Purpose, Justice, and Democracy Artwork

Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World

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Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World

22. Professor Scott Seider — Educating for Purpose, Justice, and Democracy

February 02, 2026 • Ryan Maxwell • Season 3 • Episode 2

0:00 | 52:28

In this episode of Exceptionally Good, I’m joined by Scott Seider, a professor, former public school teacher, and one of the most thoughtful voices I know on what it means to educate young people for a just and democratic society.

Scott is a Professor of Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology at Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development, where his research centers on how schools can support young people in developing a sense of purpose, critical consciousness, moral courage, and civic responsibility. Before entering academia, Scott taught high school in Boston Public Schools …experience that continues to ground his scholarship in the lived realities of classrooms and communities.

He is the author of Character Compass and co-author of Schooling for Critical Consciousness, works that have shaped how educators across the country think about character development, equity, and the role of school culture in young people’s lives. Across his writing, research, and teaching, Scott consistently asks a deeper question:

What kinds of human beings—and citizens—are our schools helping to cultivate?

In this conversation, we explore:

What “critical consciousness” actually looks like in practice
How schools can nurture purpose and moral courage without slipping into ideology
The role of identity, power, and belonging in adolescent development
What it means to prepare young people not just for college and careers—but for democracy itself

If you’re an educator, school leader, or anyone wrestling with how to raise and teach young people in uncertain times, this episode offers both grounding and hope.

Links & Resources Mentioned

Character Compass

— https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9798895570302/character-compass-second-edition/

Schooling for Critical Consciousness

— https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9781682534298/schooling-for-critical-consciousness/