With so many recent high-profile and polarizing current events, teachers have been making decisions about what to address and how to cover civics and current events in the classroom. Further, with recent district, state, and federal debates over civics, patriotic education, and critical race theory, educators may have to censor their words and class dialogue or be subject to parental and administrative backlash due to the political nature of the class discussions.

Let’s begin with one hard truth: Teaching is political and we all have biases that influence our practice. Further, every textbook, worksheet, and app is written or edited by people who hold political beliefs or ideologies that may influence their work. Daily campus decisions like mask wearing, how to teach science, whose stories are represented, and even whether or not to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance are arguably influenced by politics. So how can we navigate political questions as they arise to make sure that everyone’s voice is represented and respected?

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