Not Just Neutral: Why Teachers Should Show What Matters to Them

!Opinion!

As teachers, we’re often told to stay neutral on political topics. The warning is that our opinions might influence students or cause problems. I disagree, and here’s why showing what we care about politically, without promoting parties or politicians, is actually important.

Too often, we’re trained to act like the “three wise monkeys” in the classroom — see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing. If students ask, we brush them off.

Most people think this is the right approach. That Teachers should not talk about the current topics that can stir some pots in their classes.

I think this is the wrong approach.

With the recent news about teachers being fired over their opinions, this topic will be talked about more.

Every teacher has a passion aside from teaching. If you don't, sorry to break it to you but you don't like to learn so teaching isn't for you. For me? I follow Turkey’s game industry because I’m curious why so few Turkish-made games achieve success and also has a passion for literature/writing.

We’re preparing students for a world where politics shapes everything, from universities to careers. Imagine a lawyer who only encounters political ideas different from their family’s and friend's after they graduate. Or a publisher who never learns how industry trends are tied to political decisions, who doesn't talk about new political changes in their industry with their professors. Is that really smart?

The first question should be this. Can we really hide politics in a school environment? I don’t think we can. Schools are politics, the funding, the books, the uniforms, even the meals. Politics builds society, and schools are where society takes shape. It’s impossible to hide politics from students. Today, with all the access kids have to information, even a teacher being laid off sparks questions. Students will ask “why,” and if we can’t answer, they’ll keep asking until they find out themselves.

By sharing thoughtful insights about current events and values, teachers can help students understand the real world and think critically, without forcing them to take a side. Teachers should talk about problems, not parties, not politicians, not names. Just the issues the country is facing.

And what about religion? I believe it should be treated the same way as politics. Teachers should be able to explain what different religions believe, and if asked, they should have the freedom to share their own beliefs, if they want to.

The key is in how it’s said. Teachers should present their views in an “I believe…” format. For example: “I believe in LGBTQ rights because I think every person should have the freedom to choose who they love,” or “I do not believe in LGBTQ rights because my religion teaches that it is a sin.”

The point isn’t to convert students but to model how to express a belief respectfully and clearly, giving students the chance to think critically and form their own views.

It also teaches students how to tolerate political ideas they don’t share, making it harder for them to turn the ‘other side’ into the enemy.

Take America, for example. If a teacher has a strong opinion on gun control — whether for or against protecting the Second Amendment — they should be able to voice it. I’m not talking about dedicating class time or assigning homework around it. That is definitely unacceptable.

I’m talking about honest answers when students ask. A teacher can simply say, “I believe…” and explain their reasoning. The same goes for questions about any other issue.

So when is the appropriate time to voice our opinion to the kids? I think high school is the right place.

Students at this age are capable of independent research, can form their own opinions, and are less likely to take a teacher’s word as the absolute truth.

It’s the perfect stage to show that caring about issues and thinking critically is part of being an engaged citizen.

If we want students to care about the world, we can’t keep acting like it doesn’t exist and we can't avoid politics in an world where even global warming is political.

Teachers staying silent doesn’t protect kids, it just leaves them unprepared.

High school is where curiosity should meet honesty, and where teachers should finally be allowed to say, ‘This is what I believe.'