From Sponge to Critical Thinker: The Role of Teachers in Shaping Students' Political Views

By Tran Nguyen

Growing up, politics was not a common topic of conversation in my family. So when I got to high school, I was like a sponge, soaking up whatever opinions my friends and teachers had. Looking back, I see how that was a mistake. I needed to develop my own critical thinking skills and form my own opinions about politics. It wasn't until I started to question the information presented to me in the classroom that I began to form my own beliefs about the world and the role of government. Teachers play an essential role in shaping the political understanding of their students. What they choose to teach and how they present it can impact how students view politics and the world around them. 

I have had teachers who were openly racist and would bring their personal politics into the classroom. This made it very difficult for me to form my opinions because I felt like I had to agree out of respect for my educators. Some white teachers at my high school openly endorsed Donald Trump, even though the school was predominantly Latinx and Hispanic. This created an uncomfortable environment for many students who felt their views were being dismissed as their actual lived experiences were challenged. 

But politics aside, it's clear that teachers significantly influence what students learn and how they learn it. They are the ones who curate the curriculum, decide which topics to cover, and how to present them. Teachers have immense power to be a force for good in an era, where social media and other mediums can significantly impact the opinions and beliefs of young people. On that same note, teachers should also recognize that students come to the classroom with their own lived experiences and political beliefs. It is not possible to completely remove politics from the classroom, nor should we attempt to do so. Instead, teachers must recognize their own privileges and biases as they curate their teaching content. 

Furthermore, it is important to ensure that all students have access to a diverse group of teachers who can provide a range of perspectives and experiences. This is particularly important for students of color who may not see themselves reflected in the teaching staff. Having teachers who come from diverse backgrounds is especially important in communities of color. If we paid teachers better, it could even become a viable career option for members of the community themselves.