History Unfolding

Three years ago  one of my school preps was sociology. Teaching students about social
change was a great experience for me. That year I was also the co-sponsor for the student
council. I guess my message about social change  was heard and understood. Later that
spring  several students that I taught who were also members of the student council went
and spoke to the school board about the student dress code, later that summer,  the dress
code  was changed. As social studies teachers, we are all sociologists and observing history
unfolding in the wake of a tragedy has probably been the most compelling event of my life. I
truly believe that when the next series of Social Studies books are published, ie; U.S.
history, economics, world history, sociology, Government,the name of Colin Kaepernick will
be mentioned. In the US Government and AP Government and Sociology curriculum we
have a block called “political Socialization” In that context we discuss how people develop
their political viewpoints. Every year I get asked the question “ What are your political
beliefs?” I explain to the students that it is my job to teach this class as unbiased and
coherently as possible so you can learn the process. In the Principal Principles group a
member stated that teachers are responsible for ending racism, but if you do not want to
teach children that do not share your political beliefs or skin tone how can you teach about
ending racism and inequity with fidelity? 



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