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Re: Seeing the Audience
- I agree with you in regard to topics discussed in the classroom... but should this extend itself to the bumper sticker I display on my car or the button I wear on my blouse? According to my school district it does.
posted by
Transcendental_Child
on October 11, 2008 at 6:03 PM
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Seeing the Audience
Teachers of minors don't have the same freedom of speech enjoyed by the rest of the world. Children are particularly susceptible to influence by teachers and other authority figures, and some allowance, I believe, must be made on that account. I don't want my children exposed to Creationist nonsense in science classes. Sure, I could counter such influences, as I'm right and Creationists are wrong, but my children's minds are not the proper place for such a debate.
So I have to say, as a child of a high school teacher, a brother of an elementary school teacher, a parent, and a college teacher myself, I think some subjects should be kept within certain bounds. Politics should only be discussed in related classes, and then only at the high school level (probably). Same for religion. And parents should be kept informed of what is being discussed. The best interests of the children must take precedence over the teachers' right to free speech. Teachers can say anything they want in other forums, but should stick to curriculum in the classroom. IMHO.
posted by
mousehop
on October 11, 2008 at 4:45 PM
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I always watched what I said. The community has an unrealistic expectation for teachers. WE are human! sam
posted by
sam444
on October 11, 2008 at 1:48 PM
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