Politics in the Classroom

Many teachers completely avoid the subject of politics in the classroom while others feel it is their responsibility to share their political agendas with their students. I imagine most teachers fall somewhere in between. I believe that discussing politics and current events in the classroom is a vital component of a liberal arts education.

My approach is to always express both sides of an issue, sometimes three or four sides. An educator’s role is not to indoctrinate but to enlighten. Our goal should be to teach young people how to research the facts so they can draw their own conclusions.

In my 12th grade Personal Finance class I include a unit called Taxpayer Responsibility. I begin by explaining the general agendas of today’s political parties. I explain that the basic mindset of the Democratic Party is that that government is responsible for taking care of people. Restrictions on business are necessary to protect people and the environment from negative business practices and any negative impact of business on society and the environment.

Our Republican legislators generally support laws that limit restrictions on business. Their mindset is that businesses create jobs and wealth and government-imposed restrictions limit jobs and wealth. Republicans try to reduce taxes on business and individuals and do not believe that it is the government’s responsibility to provide financial support for citizens. They also advocate for a strong military.

Libertarians strive for smaller government. They want to reduce business and individual taxes and social programs. Many Libertarians believe that large countries, like the United States of America, should not be heavily involved in world politics and should limit military and humanitarian aid. They also want to eliminate government restrictions on businesses and also on individuals.

There are a number of other political parties, such as the Green Party, which has an agenda related to caring for the planet. All of these parties have good intentions, they just see the world differently.

I explain to my students that they should understand the motivations of political parties so that when it is time  to vote they can choose a candidate that represents their personal beliefs and agendas. I also teach how to locate resources to learn more about candidates. I demonstrate how to use https://www.govtrack.us to see what elected officials are doing. I encourage students to get involved by contacting elected officials and expressing their concerns. I also explain the impact of political contributions on the actions of elected officials and how to research the source of political contributions candidates receive.

Finally, I try to teach all of this without revealing my personal politics so that I do not influence their decision making. I am not here to indoctrinate but to educate and to help prepare the young people I have the privilege of teaching to become the productive citizens of tomorrow.

Politics in the Classroom – The Aftermath

I had hoped that November 9, 2016 would bring some relief from politics and the political election. Alas, it was not meant to be. Instead, November 9 brought a tidal wave of emotion. I have four simple words to bring peace to my students; politics is not personal.

Of course, we all feel a personal connection. We looked at the candidates and made connections; formed opinions. We hoped and perhaps even expected a certain outcome from the November 8 process. Yet, it is not personal.

A new U.S. President does not change what this country is and what it stands for. There are still millions all over the world who are trying to get into the United Stated because of the hope, even promise of a better life. I recently heard an interview with a Haitian woman who spent four years of her life to get to Mexico so she could cross the northern border.

Our country still has three branches of government for checks and balances of power. We, as a people, still have the freedom to reach out to our elected officials and share our opinions. Many countries do not offer this freedom. We still have the right to practice whatever religion we choose openly. Again, many countries do not offer this freedom. There are countries where people must practice their religion and even their sexuality in secret or fear for their lives.

I blame the media for all of the drama we are experiencing. The media thrives on drama because drama sells. Hillary is a hard working public servant who has spent most of her adult life in service to this county is not a sexy story. The media would rather focus on her mistakes. Donald is an accomplished businessman who has created thousands of jobs and helped thousands more through charitable contributions is not as enticing to the media as some trash talking Donald did years ago.

I was raised to separate the Office of the President from the person. I am hoping that the people of the United States will be able to do this going forward. Ignore the media. They are not your friend, nor do they have your best interest at heart. The interest of the media is making a profit for themselves. Instead, take a deep breath and let us watch and see together. The election is over so lamenting its outcome will come to no avail. Perhaps there are great things coming in the next four years. And if not, we know there will be another election. If you are unhappy now, perhaps you will like the outcome of that one better.

Thank you for listening.