What's a guy to do?

[genkaus]

Hi all,

I'm a teacher in central Nebraska and one of the classes I teach is Sociology. I try my best to be as unbiased as a good teacher can, but I'm afraid some of my colors have shown when discussing topics like religion and a few of my students may have an inkling as to where I stand with my beliefs. This doesn't really bother me, even though this area of the country is about as anti-secular as it gets. What does bother me, however, is the fact that some of my students have started to mention that they have beliefs similar to mine and are even asking for help/advice. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for advocating the secular movement to the average adult joe/jane, but I hesitate to share such thoughts with my students. As far as I know, I'm the only educator in the district that thinks this way, so the kids don't have anyone else to talk to and I don't have anyone who can give me any advice other than "repent, idiot". Any thoughts, advice, etc are very much appreciated.

Thanks

I'll tread lightly here because I don't know how they determine the limits of teacher-student relationship at your school, but my advice would be to treat it as any other non-curricular matter.

For example, if someone wants a different future career than the one his parents are pressuring him into, how would you advise him?

Or if your student wants your advice about joining/starting a cause - like having a blood-donation drive - are you overstepping your bounds if you tell him how he can go about it?

My advice is, if its okay for you to have personal discussions about other subjects and advice your students on how to go about it, even if you feel that that advice goes against their parents' wishes, then you should treat advice on atheism in the same manner.

[Wyrd of Gawd]

Ref. Post #1: Learn from other people's mistakes. Teach the rugrats the 3 R's and keep your trap shut about everything else. That way you will eventually get a pension.

[CapnAwesome]

I don't know, also I doubt that anyone on Atheist forums really does either (Is there a lawyer in the house?) My recommendation would be to find out from someone who knows the law (union rep maybe?) what you are legally able to say or give as advice. Then if you find you can legally advise students about it, I would do it. Don't take the passive route! Life is too short.

[*Deidre*]

If you feel that your motives for talking about your views, is honestly to help these students, then you're following your heart. Sometimes, we are put in positions that might be uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean we should hide from spreading truth. I wouldn't make it the focus of your class, but I see nothing wrong with having healthy debates and dialoging with your students, as they wish to do.

It's nice to see that some teachers are interested in promoting critical thinking skills, as yourself.

[ShaMan]

I was expecting sound advice from reasonable people.

Thanks.

Upon close examination you will find your response to this member to be very insightful.

[Whateverist]

I can tell you I avoid the subject. I teach far, far, far from the bible belt and have whatever may be left of tenure. I'm also close enough to retirement not to give a rat's ass about any blowback.

The reason I avoid it is not to avoid assisting students struggling with atheism. The reason is to avoid setting up an impediment to learning from me on the part of the religious students I teach. Since that is what I am there to do, I prefer not to work against myself.

Frankly, I get all and more of the god talk I care to hear right here at AF.org. I also get all or more of the contact I care to have with middle schoolers during my time at school. When I've finished for the day, I'd rather walk the dog than counsel those coping with the loss of god. I got through it. They will too.