I stumbled across this post from a sixth-grade teacher about how she handles tough topics in her classroom. The issue of what teachers at all levels should discuss in their classrooms seems under added scrutiny as some politicians make claims that institutions of higher ed should hire more conservative-leaning faculty members. What about elementary school?
The author’s point is that learners of all ages are observant and pick up on what is going on around them and part of her job is to teach critical literacy and prepare students for the future. She offers some suggestions describing tactics she uses. She proposes that one of the best approaches is to respond to students with questions rather than offer a personal opinion that could easily be interpreted as biased.
Not to be cynical, but I doubt any approach no matter how neutral the position taken will irritate some. I am certainly aware of my perspective which some would without engagement assume to be biased if for no other reason than I teach of about the process of education and consider some topics such as inequity. No matter the data I can offer to argue for the reality of inequity, some will label the approached as biased. I try to avoid going beyond offering the data, but when asked a direct question I am very willing to respond. I guess we all find our own way trying to deal with actual problems and honest opinions.