Students often ask me what I believe about politics.  Occasionally, it occurs during class.  A kid might ask, "What do you think of the war in Iraq?"  My answer is diplomatic, "War is always a tragedy, whether you support it or not.  I support our troops and have good friends who are fighting over there.  I just hope they come home safely."  Another student might ask, "Will you vote for Obama?" and I will typically pretend I heard the question wrong, "Will I vote for your mama?  Come on, we don't need to be telling those jokes."  I know, it's really stupid, but it deflects the question and injects some humor. 

It's not that I never share anything about politics.  I just try to keep it neutral.  I try and tell students both sides of the issue.  So, for example, with the Obama question, I'll say, "We'll be covering the elections on a current events day.  Right now, I want to focus on our lesson." I tell them, "You may not ever figure out if I'm a Republican or Democrat," and, for the most part, they haven't. 

Yet, it gets more personal sometimes.  What happens, for example, when the political issue is more of a social issue?  What happens when it deals with education?  What about when it is before school?  If a kid asks me if I am in favor of the AIMS test and we're working on a project before school, I just might tell that student what I really think.  If a student asks me about No Child Left Behind and School Improvement (they're just now learning those terms), I'll help explain why our school is in School Improvement and I'll usually add why I think it's unjust.  Am I wrong for sharing that? 

I'm really curious: What do you think?  When is it okay for a teacher to share his or her social or political views?

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