Times are tough for social studies teachers. We are living in a historic moment no matter which side of the aisle, but teaching controversial and politically charged issues has always been a little tricky. Yet, some teachers are finding a way to push through the noise and engage with their students around the impeachment process.
According to the Washington Post, Jason Pusey, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at South View Middle School in Edina, Minnesota, was determined to teach his students the ins and outs of the impeachment process. Expecting the process on Capitol Hill to be contentious and knowing that political divisions run deep, he decided to invite his students’ families into the conversation.
After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced an impeachment inquiry into the conduct of President Donald Trump, Pusey sent a letter home to his students’ families. First, he reviewed the background knowledge his students have already mastered over the course of the year: How the U.S. government works, the three branches of government, separation of powers and checks and balances. Next, he acknowledged that [pullquote]all of these concepts can seem a little abstract to seventh graders—that is until current events bring them into sharp focus and offer an opportunity to observe our foundational documents in action.[/pullquote]
Pusey noted that as he discussed the issues of the day at the top of each class his students were aware, but they also had some misconceptions. And because he thought it was important for his students to have an accurate understanding of what is happening in the world around them, he taught his students about the impeachment process and he gave their families a heads up!
Because he focused on process—not substance—Pusey’s students have a better understanding of the process that’s unfolding before them each day and they can follow along.
While informing families was a smart teacher move, Pusey took it a step further by sharing what he taught in class with families in a clear and concise way so they might learn along with their children. Even more, Pusey invited students’ families into the conversation and encouraged them to continue to talk with their children at home.
If you want to discuss truly complex, divisive and vexing public issues with your students without making your students or their parents uncomfortable, take a note from this savvy teacher—invite families to be a part of your learning community!
Lisa Hollenbach is Senior Digital Manager for Education Post. Prior to joining Education Post, Lisa developed digital and content strategy for Teaching Channel. She served on the Bill and Melinda Gates Teacher Advisory Council from 2014-2017 and was active in the planning and execution of several Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching (ECET2) convenings at both the regional and national level. Lisa attended both private and public schools in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and holds a bachelor’s in secondary education social studies, a bachelor’s in public policy, a minor in women's studies and a master’s in community psychology and social change. A former educator, Lisa taught for more than 15 years in both traditional public school and public charter school settings. She also served as a leader of her local and regional teachers association from 2001-2016. Lisa has worked with several universities throughout her career and is currently an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania State University, teaching courses in sociology, psychology, education and their intersections. She is passionate about helping education advocates share their stories and creating an equitable education system that serves all students.
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