Why Your Political Affiliation Has No Place in the Classroom

Teaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers Perspective

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"Hello, and welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast where we tackle the essential questions that help us become the best teachers we can be. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a hot-button issue: Why teachers should keep their political affiliations out of the classroom.

Now, I know this topic can stir some strong feelings. As educators, we live in a world full of opinions, beliefs, and values, and it’s natural to want to connect with students on issues that are meaningful to us. But there’s a line—a line that, as teachers, we must be mindful not to cross. Today, we’ll be discussing why it’s crucial for teachers to create a neutral, inclusive space in the classroom, where students can explore ideas and learn to think for themselves, free from any bias that our personal political beliefs might introduce.

So, if you’re a teacher who’s ever wondered whether it’s appropriate to bring up your political views or if you’re a parent concerned about what students are exposed to in school, this episode is for you. Together, let’s dive into the impact that personal politics can have on students, on our classrooms, and on the foundation of trust we build as educators.
Show Notes
For more information on this topic checkout the following resources:

• Edutopia – Building a Culture of Open Dialogue in the Classroom: www.edutopia.org
• The Cult of Pedagogy – Maintaining Neutrality in the Classroom: A guide to fostering critical thinking while avoiding bias.
• Facing History and Ourselves: Resources for teaching students to think critically about historical and contemporary issues.
• Teaching Tolerance: Tools and resources for creating inclusive, unbiased classrooms.
• National Council for the Social Studies – Guidelines on Political Neutrality: Tips for maintaining an unbiased approach in social studies and civics education.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!