Should teachers be able to voice their personal opinions about politics and religion in the classroom? Would this give them the power to persuade their students or would it basically be part of their job description to be an active citizen of moral character?As students prove to us that many of them are incapable of coping with the day to day pressure of school, peers, and adulthood shouldn’t we, as adults offer some kind of resolution for handling those things that seem to be out of their control.A student brings a knife to school to threaten students to stop teasing her, another child commits suicide leaving a note that life was too hard, and another student drops out of school for a life of crime and punishment. Where did we go wrong? Shouldn’t the adults in the community find ways to help these students look to positive avenues to keep their dreams alive?I substituted a 6th grade class last week. A student asked me if I went to church. I said yes, why do you ask. I didn’t offer the name of my faith or the basics of my beliefs. The student’s response: "My parents think that going to church is a perfect waste of a good Sunday." I did respond, "Well, one day you may need to go to church and learn those things that help you through life." There is no doubt that a good education is a valuable asset for the future of our students. But a well rounded education in many fields of life may be what can keep our kids alive and well.There is a new bill proposed to keep teacher’s personal opinions about religion and politics out of the classroom. I understand the need for a separation of church and state. However, we need to teach our children morals and citizenship. If not by our teachers then parents please step up.
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