As a community it is important to recognize that teacher activism lends itself to the possibility of promoting agendas related to racial ideologies, gender ideologies, religion, sexual content and other topics which are not developmentally appropriate for the youngest of our children. It is important to recognize that school districts have the authority to control classroom content and curriculum. While in the classroom, teachers (1) should be acting within the scope of their employment, (2) are generally considered to speak on behalf of the district, and (3) are expected to adhere to the policies set forth in the areas of curriculum and instruction. While the California State Standards do call for the teaching of developmentally appropriate controversial topics in many cases, teachers should be acting as facilitators in the classroom, not imposing their personal beliefs upon students.
Students cannot learn effectively in unsafe environments. It is important to adhere to effective discipline policies which keep order in the schools. California law, for example, is making this increasingly difficult with the passage of a law which bans schools from suspending students who show willful defiance towards a teacher or administrator. This law took effect in January 2024. As a school district, we are now tasked with finding creative ways and alternative consequences to deter this type of behavior. This could result in unsafe learning environments in our schools as students who are not held accountable for their actions are inclined to willfully misbehave.
In addition to lockdown drills, we need to consider buzz in doors as a first line of defense in all of our schools to keep threatening and/or suspicious perpetrators from entering the campus. These doors are already in existence in some of our schools, but not all.
We cannot tolerate bullying in our schools. If principals and assistant principals are visible on campus (and they should be most of the day), they are the first line of defense against bullying. Administration, firstly, in partnership with teachers and parents, is responsible for creating a climate of safety, respect, support, and belonging for all students.