This week in one of my classes, we were discussing the politics in our small town and how they affect the student body as well as the surrounding town. Realizing how important elections are for us as a student body we began discussing the two candidates that are running for the district delegate. One is a lawyer and one a school teacher.
During our discussion a student in the class raised their hand and began discussing the attributes of the candidates. At the end of the discussion, they said, "I never really thought that someone who is a teacher could run for public office, you would just think that they don't have as much education and experience." To my dismay, only one other person in the class looked like this comment concerned them.
Although I am sure the student did not realize what they were saying was so offensive, it surprised me to hear that someone actually thinks that teachers do not have "as much education or knowledge" to represent any group of people's opinions.
I am the granddaughter of a retired P.E. teacher and both of my parents are teachers. I myself am a music education major and many of my friends are education majors. I believe that while many people are "qualified" to run for public office, not matter what their job is, teachers would have a knowledge and understanding relatable to most people.
Teachers are the ones who parents trust to look after and TEACH their children about the world.
Teachers teach children right from wrong and basic moral values in the classroom, such as good manners and being kind to others.
Teachers see the growth and development in a students life and want the best for these students.
Teachers are the ones that are teaching students that may one day be astronauts, biologist, lawyers, government officials, business owners, musicians, journalist, mathematicians, etc.
If a teacher is trusted to teach students that will be our future, what makes them "not educated" enough to run for public office?
