by Diana McDermott ’13

Teachers have their own political opinions just as most people also do, but educators are in a unique position of molding young minds. Therefore, teachers are tasked with a tricky balancing act of getting students to think about the world around them while not telling students what they specifically should believe. Accordingly, MCPS policy states that, “A teacher may express his or her opinions in regard to political, social, and religious values or issues provided that the total presentation is essentially balanced.”

“I try not to, but yes, my opinions come through,” said social studies resource teacher Joe Sangillo. “In teaching AP U.S. History and NSL Government, my opinions and biases have come through in teaching politically related content. I do make an effort not to be overt, and I try not to share opinions to purposely provoke students, but yes, I have sometimes shared my opinions. MCPS policy allows it as long as the teacher presents both sides of an issue and students feel comfortable to express their own opinions.”

In a time when education experts are calling for more curricula with “real-world” content and applications, teachers, especially those in social studies, are asked to facilitate class discussions that allow students to talk about current political and social issues. “I can’t think of a situation where it would be better for me to tell students what I think instead of allowing them to formulate their own ideas on a subject. My job is to create a safe environment where they can do that,” said social studies teacher Aileen Woolley.

There are gray areas for how overtly political teachers can be. For example, some teachers at Sherwood display political posters, cartoons, and phrases in their classrooms. Last month, a number of teachers wore red one day to indicate their position in the fight over what budget cuts should be made or not at the county and state levels.

Students are divided over whether teachers regularly share their own political views, with 55 percent of 148 surveyed stating that one or more of their teachers give their political opinions to students in class.

“I have very close relationships with students past and present of all political leanings,” said Sangillo. “I strive to create an environment in which all students feel comfortable in class. I don’t recall ever being scolded about it. The most I get is a rebuttal [from students in class], which is what I want—dialogue!”