Teaching Trump
Teachers shouldn't tolerate the rhetoric of Donald Trump in their classrooms.
The New York Times recently published an article detailing the challenges parents face when talking to their children about Donald Trump. The piece describes the process as “mortifying, embarrassing, and jarring,” leaving some feeling uncomfortable exposing their children to Trump’s rhetoric.
As a teacher in New York City, I have noticed that kids are anything but oblivious to politics. They come to school with big plans for the future — a future without Donald Trump, they say. Children rightfully describe Trump as a greedy, scary bully, who instills fear in people by yelling at and insulting others.
Trump has brought up questions about what discourse should be tolerated, not only on the debate stage and in the White House, but in homes and schools. When students bring politics into the classroom (children as young as five are voicing their opinions on the presidential candidates), teachers — like parents — are wondering how best to respond.