Issue: Opinions in the Classroom

Teachers in some area school districts have openly campaigned for school board candidates and complained about district decisions. Others have been outspoken on topics from abortion to the presidential election. Considering their influence, is it right for teachers to express opinions on controversial subjects in the classroom?

Marjorie Kinney, Parent Long Beach Unified schools.

I can see several sides to this issue. I don’t think, in general, that teachers should offer personal opinions. But most teachers also develop a rapport with students and their class will want to know, on a particular subject, what the teacher thinks. People, of course, have opinions, and if a student really wants to know how a teacher feels about something, it should be part of the discussion. But opinions need to be put in context. Students have to know that these are not facts, and opinions are not necessarily right or wrong. I can see this happening in a political science class for instance, or in English where the teacher is interpreting what the author meant. Also, if the discussion involves students and teachers--such as the possible strike in Los Angeles--it is perfectly OK to give students the facts, but it is not OK to solicit the student’s help. Frankly, I think teachers should probably keep their opinions to themselves on something that close to home.