The political climate continues to shape what teachers can say and do.

Educators grapple with an intense political climate, forcing difficult personal and professional choices. 

  • “How in the world are social studies/history/civics teachers handling…all of this?” —Retired HS Social Studies Teacher
    • “I work in a high school in a red county. The teachers cannot discuss anything going on in the world with their students.” —HS Teacher
    • “I teach psych. It’s a [mess].” —HS Teacher
  • “A sixth‑grade teacher was told to take down an inclusive poster featuring diverse skin‑toned hands—even though it simply said “Everyone is Welcome Here.” She eventually put it back up and later resigned over the dispute. As educators, where do we draw the line between “content‑neutral policy” and promoting a positive training environment? Would you have done the same?” —Anonymous 
    • “I had the same poster in my 6th Grade Science room. This is ridiculous!” —MS Teacher in New Mexico
    • “Good for that teacher. It’s a tough decision for most people. I’d like to think my line would be somewhere similar, but when the rubber meets the road… I don’t know. I need the insurance for my family. I like my pension. I don’t know.” —Teacher in New York
      • “Same. I’m in the retirement pipeline with a 6-figure pension waiting for me. Particularly with two children in college, this wouldn’t be the time to take that kind of stand. Luckily, our superintendent still uses pronouns in his signature, if that gives you any idea of the political climate where I teach. So, there’s no threat of me being asked to ditch my rainbow stickers.” —Teacher in Illinois 
  • “I am so mad that parents are so concerned about ‘indoctrination’ that I am not allowed to advocate politically. I am not saying I want to talk politics with my students. My students are 5, and that’s not my role. BUT on a personal level, I am deeply frustrated by the current climate in the media, freedom of speech, the right to assemble, etc., and would love to be more politically involved OUTSIDE the classroom (social media, circles of friends, right to protest, etc.) But I can’t. One photo. One screenshot. One anything and I could lose my job. ”  —Elementary Teacher in the United States
    • “I’m going to protests anyway, and if I get fired for it, I’m done with teaching. Not sure what else I’ll do, but I can’t stand by while fascism takes over my country.” —Middle School Teacher in the United States
    • “A colleague of mine screenshotted me (my locked down private page) and reported to the superintendent, who contacted my principal, who called me in. My post wasn’t even bad. I went in with a union rep and the meeting went fine, but I am so angry about this.” —High School Social Studies Teacher in Colorado
    • “Honestly, I get nervous teaching about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This is because parents/social media spout so much misinformation that I’m worried someone is going to get upset. Many of my students were shocked that presidents are limited to two terms, per the 22nd.” —Teacher in the United States
    • “Well, at today’s loving Kirk rally, Steve Bannon declared teachers as terrorists, so there’s this new fun loving item we get to deal with.” —Teacher in Montana