Political/Teacher Ethics

[crozetiga]

I am a public school teacher. I teach music at a small rural school. I have a question of ethics for you to give your opinions on.

I was in my choir class yesterday and we had a little time at the end of class. Some of my students are seniors and are 18 so I thought I would mention for them to register, research the candidates and then vote. I said " I don't care who you vote for, just vote." After saying this one of my students asked who I was voting for. I told them that I really couldnt because my influence as a teacher may unfairly persuade them to vote a certain way.

They said, well the Social Studies teacher told us that he is voting for Bush because he is Republican. They continued by telling me how the Social Studies teacher has be putting down Kerry and praising Bush in class.

I was taught that you should keep politics out of the classroom. In fact, in my district, I believe you can get fired for publicly supporting a candidate for school board. I realize that the school board is a local race and not a national one, but a teacher that uses his or her influence to persuade a class is wrong in my eyes.

I realize that some of you are going to say that this happens a lot at the college level but i will remind you that this is a public school I am talking about.

I am angry about the situation. I am a Democrat so I am doubly angry with it because he is taking advantage of impressionable young minds. Party lines aside, I wouldn't want my children taught to believe something without having all of the facts.

Do you agree that this is unethical of the Social Studies teacher?

I would just like your input.
Thanks
Josh

[cyberhound]

Yes it is unethical. But not suprising. My civics teacher did the same except he was a Democrat.

[DMBSignGuy]

Yea i would agree that he shouldnt be doing that. Though being a social science class i believe he should be encouraging discussion of political topics not forcing his bias upon his students. A teacher must encourage a classroom to have open discussions about any topic, even politics and make sure the students stay respectful, open minded and tolerant of each others opinions. A teacher shouldnt avoid talking about it, they just have to keep from biasing the discussion.

[jester29]

I agree that the teacher should not share his/her opinions or political views. The whole point is to generate discussion and conversation in class, and I think there's a certain responsibility to fairly present both sides of the issue. They shouldn't try to impose their beliefs or opinions on the kids - that's not their job, and it's beyond what they should be doing...

[bohazo]

Either way someone will have a bias and unless they are really good at hiding it (I think I had one such teacher or professor in high school and college, just one-many where actually open about tttheir affiliation) that bias will rub off on the students.

Going out of ones way to influence probably isn't good though...

[chiznaz]

my gov. teacher senior yr in high school was a Libertarian, so he hated everyone:D

[bohazo]

my gov. teacher senior yr in high school was a Libertarian, so he hated everyone:D

Now that is just awesome, a Libertarian! Whenever I take those political affiliation things I always come out as one of these and, for the most part, I agree with everything they say (military and immigration not withstanding).

[Warehouse21]

i think it was a bit unethical, but I also thnk we need to be talking politics with young people. And it's refreshing to hear someone express an opinion.

[cbsauder]

Yes it is unethical. But not suprising. My civics teacher did the same except he was a Democrat.
:thumbsup same here