What is an exchange?

Do you wish you could have meaningful, engaged conversation across difference?
We provide that opportunity for students and teachers.

Erase the Space connects students and teachers from socioeconomically and geographically segregated schools and provides a structured way to communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve across difference. Teachers are partnered with one another based on grade level and subject area. Through the process we support teachers building a shared learning curriculum and plan for students to share their stories, find shared purpose through learning, and navigate in-person collaboration as they tackle real-world social issues as a team.

Core components

  • Narrative Exchange:
    Students begin the exchange by sharing personal stories through letters, allowing them to control their narrative and build a foundation of empathy and understanding. Physical letters encourage deeper reflection and help mitigate “context collapse,” a phenomenon where online communication often distorts intent and meaning.
  • Shared Learning:
    Partner classrooms engage in parallel lessons that address a common social issue, fostering a shared purpose. This collaborative learning aspect simulates the democratic “work to do together” of engaged citizens, emphasizing the power of teamwork over individual narratives.
  • Collaborative Reimagining:
    The program culminates in an in-person meeting at a neutral location where students work together to propose solutions to the shared issue they’ve studied. This day is carefully structured to prioritize equity, comfort, and meaningful engagement, culminating in presentations of their collaborative ideas.

For teachers 

Erase the Space emphasizes teacher collaboration and reflection. Teachers are supported throughout the program with:
 
  • Touchstones: Guidelines for fostering equitable and meaningful exchanges, emphasizing shared work, empathy, and curiosity.
  • Resources and Support: Access to curricula, planning documents, facilitator guidance, and funding to ensure successful implementation.
  • Personal Reflection: Teachers are encouraged to examine biases, address systemic inequities, and model vulnerability and growth alongside their students.

 

Scaffolded themes

Elementary School:
  • What We Do: Use storytelling and shared activities to cultivate empathy and introduce civic concepts
  • Focus: Fairness
  • Exchanges: Partnerships like French Run (Reynoldsburg), Cassingham (Bexley), and Woodcrest (CCS)/Freedom Trail (Olentangy) connect classrooms in districts with different demographic makeup.
Middle School:
  • What We Do: Focus on narrative sharing and collaborative projects to deepen understanding of diverse perspectives.
  • Focus: Seeing each other’s humanity
  • Exchanges: Current partnerships include Blendon (Westerville), Arts Impact (CSS), Berwick (CCS), and Jones (Upper Arlington).
High School:
  • What We Do: Engage students in analyzing societal issues and practicing civic discourse.
  • Focus: Critical thinking and necessary information
  • Exchanges: Include Ft. Hayes (CCS)/Dublin Scioto, Beechcroft (CCS)/Olentangy, and Columbus Alternative and Upper Arlington partnerships, among others.

Goals and Impact 

  • Address segregated educational experiences by creating opportunities for dialogue across difference.
  • Equip students with critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
  • Promote a sense of agency and responsibility in addressing societal challenges.
  • Foster relationships that challenge stereotypes, build trust, and prepare students for active citizenship.

Why it matters 

Erase the Space is rooted in the recognition that schools, like the communities they serve, are often divided by systemic inequities. By providing students with structured opportunities to connect and collaborate, the program creates pathways for understanding and mutual respect that extend beyond the classroom. It challenges participants—both students and teachers—to reimagine the role of education in fostering equity, democracy, and community.