Should teachers be apolitical?

When educators of young children shy away from politics, are they doing more harm than good?

A classroom
(Image credit: maroke/iStock)

A few years ago, a first-grader asked me if I'd heard about what President Trump said on TV the night before. I hesitated. I was right in the middle of a lesson that had nothing to do with politics — it was math — but the bigger issue was how deeply to engage.

"No," I finally said. "What did he say?"

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Bret Turner

Bret Turner is a first-grade teacher, father, and children's musician. He is a contributor to PBS Kids and Teaching Tolerance, he's a sourdough bread baker, and has a three-legged dog. You can find more of his writing here.