TNedchat is a way for educators in Tennessee to share thoughts, resources, and information. The weekly chat is moderated by Jessica Warner (@jessawarner) and Samantha Bates (@sjsbates).
A1: I would expect a candidates have had children in public schools for one. Also supportive of the profession of teaching and quality education for students. #TnEdChat
A1: A candidate who is willing to listen to educators and not just push his/her agenda. Someone who visits schools and classrooms to understand how policy affects students and teachers. #TnEdChat
A1. I look for compassion in any leader. If you don’t have that then it’s hard to get buy in. Like admins, teachers, and students, have to know they care. Am I off base? #tnedchat
A2: The students will ask "why do we..." or "why is it..." and I will tell them the basics of the decisions and laws that made us learn this or get this day off. Usually don't soapbox or share my opinion openly #TnEdChat
A3) Only if we are asked...I think you should allow elected officials to discuss politics with the the understanding that we are studying the core not a party. #TnEdChat
#tnedchat A3: I shy away from sharing my political position not because I am not allowed to, but because I don't think it is the place, or the audience, with which to share my views. I do try to discuss the positive and negative of each side.
We vote in kindergarten a lot too! Tomorrow we'll use REAL "secret" ballots and vote for our favorite animals (rather than our usual public tally vote for class decisions regarding important matters like having a stuffed animal party or a dance party celebration!). #tnedchat
A3: Good question. In South FLA, never. Very litigious - weren't allowed to even hint. Here, it seems more people are open with it in the classroom, still can't shake the fear learned in FLA tho #TnEdChat
A3: I don’t think it is appropriate for me to use my teaching time to share my views. Classroom is not the time or place. Children are not an equal audience for political discourse. I am going to leave that up to parents. #TnEdChat
#tnedchat A3: My hope is that I encourage them to think for themselves. To scrutinize each candidate and decide on "their candidate" based on content and intention instead of blindly aligning with a political party.
A4) When Gore and Bush were running and the day after the election we still didn't know... and everyone was focused and learn a lot of constitutional law.. we thought. :-) #TnEdChat
Q4: Sort of an answer - any time (18 yo or close) Ss asked how something could have happened or did I hear this outrageous thing, I asked if they voted, or were registered. Then said if they wanted to change it, go vote #TnEdChat
A4: I love it when where we’re at in the standards align with a current event. When learning about George Washington being elected during the last presidential election. Tying the past to the present is exciting. #TnEdChat
#tnedchat A4: Anytime we can provide an opportunity for the Ss to exercise/experience their right to vote is a good thing to me. So many as adult become complacent (maybe not this year) about voting. We should treasure that right, not ignore it. I hope Ss remember that.
A5) Think of passions, and remind the students that some are blinded by them...We as educators must always take the high road. WE ARE PUBLIC FIGURES. #TnEdChat
A5: I’ve talked to kids about how even adults make bad choices when relating to others, and we all have a choice in how we treat others. I’ve also commended students for their civility with one another when they have differing opinions. #TnEdChat
#tnedchat A5: That's a hard question. It seems this year has been exceptionally challenging in that arena. I remind my students being true to yourself and your beliefs does not mean you have to put someone else down. Try to understand other's perspectives.
Agree with @Gregbagby. Vote based on your own research and values rather than what peers and family are voting. And remind them...it’s their business! They don’t have to share who they vote for. #TnEdChat
A6: my advice to new or upcoming voters is to never take for granted the right to vote. Value that right by voting. Take it seriously. Be informed - do your own research - don’t rely on others to tell you who to vote for. Above all, vote. #TnEdChat
