I almost forgot this...and wonder why school vouchers are gaining traction.
During Election Day, it seems that a number of teachers brought their classes outside to see the folks that were politicking for their favorite candidates. I would assume that they were having a "teachable" moment in giving a first hand experience to the kids on how American democracy works. A great idea!
When I went to vote, I went over to talk with Greg Knytych (presently Ward 1 Laconia City Councilor) who was the Republican candidate for NH Senate District 4. We chit-chatted for a bit and then he mentioned that the kids had been coming outside. But then he related this:
A teacher came over with her kids and talked about what was going on. One of the kids (a younger one) pointed to a sign next to Greg. It was a Jeb Bradley sign, Republican candidate for NH's First Congressional District and the kid asked "What is that"?
Greg said he was horrified at the teacher's "He is running for Congress. He is a Republican - and a bad man. We don't want him."
Note: Jeb supported school vouchers and choice. In a case like this, I can understand why parents would want to as well. I would not want my kids at a school where a blatant case of partisanship was demonstrated in front of her or his students.
I've known Greg for a while now, and I have no doubt that what he was telling me was the truth (he gave me permission to talk about this). The problem is for anyone to try to explain this away as an isolated incident is that I have heard from students who were able to vote (and some parents of kids of voting age) that they were told by their teacher that if they voted and voted for the candidate of the teacher's choice, they'd get extra credit. And no, the parents were afraid of retaliation if they had come forward. I, having no kids in the school system, don't worry about that anymore (but I used to).
Now, I have no problem with teachers being partisan - I certainly believe in Conservative principles and given that it seems that most teachers are Democrats, I would have to believe that many are as partisan in their beliefs as well. But it should be on their own time. I have my beliefs and philosophies and one of them is that parents have the responsibility and right to teach their children about politics...
...and not teachers! Yes, teach the system, teach civics. But not ideologies. I find it intolerable that a teacher would abuse their position and would have said such a thing or propositioned kids to vote for their candidate.
The problem is in wondering "is this an isolated occurrence?" Or is it symptomatic of a larger problem? If a teacher is willing, in public, to tell a child that a candidate is a bad person only because they are a Republican, what goes on between the classroom walls? Because of technology, we have kids recording teachers or professors going off on ideological rants.
Many parents believe that what goes on in schools are the same as when we were there 20, 30, or more: reading, writing, and 'rithmetic. Is it? Many parents who are Conservative or Libertarians are, more and more, feeling that it is not. Instead of concentrating on basics (as shown by the test scores), the curriculum that is taugh may not be what is being taught at home.
And how can parents tell?
I believe in openness and transparency in government - perhaps that should be implemented in the school system as well. Given the ideological outburst a few years ago from New Beginnings that started the movement to defund outside agencies, and now New Beginnings has curriculum in Gilford's school system, it may be time for parents to ask that the curriculum be made available online. Webcams for parents, to see what is being taught might not be a bad idea either.
And in some cases, may help teachers accused of malfeasance as well to prove their innocence if falsely accused (or lend credence that Joey or Judy do nothing but mess up all the time).