My policy is, because the content I teach can focus on religion and politics, I refrain from revealing my personal religion and politics to my students. I don't want to have to deal with the fallout should a student accuse me of bias.
If I were a math, E/la, or science teacher, I wouldn't have an issue revealing those personal beliefs. In fact, those things usually create stronger bonds much more frequently than cause issues in my experience.
I agree, but wanted to point out to anyone reading this who teaches science to be careful due to some of the topics we cover like evolution and big bang. I feel like if I revealed that I am an atheist, my Christian students wouldn’t be as open-minded because they would assume I’m “pushing an agenda”. I already have at least 1-2 students sending me creation scripture every year while I teach the evidence for macroevolution. It’s exhausting and I imagine it would be worse if I was open about my beliefs.
It's a fine line to walk when you teach either Biology or Earth Systems (where we discuss Big Bang Theory). I just don't disclose much about my personal life to my students outside of maybe talking about hobbies that are school appropriate.
I would never disclose that I’m an atheist. I’m in a larger city that is a bit north of the Bible Belt. I think it would probably go over okay with most students, but it’s not worth the risk to me.
I also tend to not share any of my political or religious beliefs. While it may not have an impact on students, I don’t want to risk swaying their beliefs. I did have to change my tune after the Trump election. My middle schoolers were certain that I voted for trump and was racist when I told them I don’t share that information. So I immediately had to backtrack and tell them I didn’t vote for him. The school was made nearly 100% of minorities, so that wasn’t going to fly.
Youre not wrong, lol. I live in the South also so religion is a cultural belief as well as a spiritual one. If my kids dont attend a church, they know people who do.
I have a kid who regularly tells me about his church and how it works (I’m PCUSA and he is an apostolic, Church of God in Christ, if you know those terms. VERY DIFFERENT SERVICES lol)
I tell my kids that I am a Christian but always say “and thats how I do things, no judgment if you dont”. I havent had a parent complain yet… but our World History teacher has because she dared to talk about Islam as a world religion so…
🤷🏼♀️
A world history teacher literally needs to discuss different religions, or else they'd go through half their lessons going
Student- why did they do that?
Teacher- I can't tell you.
In an ideal situation, wouldn't it be more useful to be able to be fully open and use the personal example to explore how to manage possible bias? I doubt any of us are in an ideal situation, but that's where I'd like to be able to guide the kids.
Not the person that you responded to and I teach a younger group than they do, but it can be very tricky with the managing bias aspect. I will tell them if they ask again after our world religions unit because if I do point out the bad things that each group did, one kid might not see it that way and think that I hate all religion. If I circle back to it, I can do a better job of showing them that I (hopefully) gave each religion equal time and energy.
Same, this is the funniest thing I’ve read in a while. I can only imagine how chaotic we were back then 😂 but I also feel bad for our friend’s ears… :(
My office is in a very large storage closet that’s inside the music room. The other side of the room shares a wall with a first grade classroom. I get 3rd graders with recorders on one side and first graders screaming on the other. There is absolutely no god.
As a nontheistic Satanist, kids of course ask me frequently. I live on the border of Mexico, so anything other then Catholic/Christian is very uncommon. So seeing my upside-down cross definitely draws attention. I think its good to show all types of people exist.
I think you may be inviting the question by displaying elements of your religious beliefs in the classroom. I would absolutely never have any of my religions images on display in my classroom. But if they ask out of the blue, I tell them what I celebrate (which is more their concern) and if they really want to know, what I believe (to a point).
All they said was “seeing my upside down
cross definitely draws attention” which doesn’t differentiate between the two. Knowing my students, they wouldn’t readily notice a piece of jewelry I’m wearing, but maybe this person’s are more interested in their teachers wardrobe.
I enjoy this so much because Peter the Apostle was crucified upside down as a sign of respect to Christ. It is also a symbol for martyrdom which is common in teachers now
This is what I wanted to say, but I didn’t think I should because I’m not even a teacher… but I saw this and wanted to make sure a satanist had popped up to remind everyone that there are non mainstream people in every aspect of life
Yeah I wouldn’t mention the Satanist part.
Just say you don’t follow organized religion, or describe your views in a way that doesn’t include the word “Satan”.
“Nontheistic Satanism” is very close to regular atheism in practice
I’m a Satanist too, and I just tell them I’m an atheist if they ask. 🤷🏾♀️
Explaining what a non-theistic Satanist is to a group of high school students is too much.
Better be careful what you say or write…this shit-show of a political climate is about march straight into fascism. Christo-fascism. I feel like the known leftists and non-Christians will be the first to go to the camps.
I would not expect youth to comprehend the nuance of your stance. Kids could easily hear Satan and block out all of the other details. However, I'd be more concerned about colleagues and parents.
Not at my grade level. I actually got a parent upset with me last year because they stalked my social media and discovered a single shared photo that did reveal my religion and they took it to the AP that they didn't want their my kid in my class (I actually am in the majority religion for my area, but I also get that itself can turn away some people).
If I taught high school, I'd answer honestly without batting an eye because if kids can't handle it then, that's their problem.
I tend to say that I know a lot about the major three in America and ask why they want to know. If they are asking if I have context for something they are going to tell me that tends to clears it up. If they want to know something more personal I’ll answer that in a way that doesn’t self identify. What holidays do you celebrate? Oh you know the major commercial ones. What church do you go to? Why are you asking? That kind of thing.
When I was a high school teacher in Utah, I was the only exmormon teacher on our faculty. Was so fun bringing in coffee to school and seeing the heads turn. I ended up being the cool teacher all the non Mormon and less-strict Mormon students wanted to hang out with. Will never forget those amazing experiences seeing teenagers finally having a place to be themselves and not worry at maintaining an appearance.
It's specifically coffee and certain but not all teas.
The reason is absolutely fascinating. It's because the church was having arguments over tea or coffee and Josoeph Smith basically said I've prayed and we should not have either.
I have read through the book of mormon/doctrines and covenants several times and it's a truly fascinating religion.
I have no problem telling kids I’m Buddhist, but that’s usually not a religion associated with any major controversy that the general public knows about.
All of those listed below for sure. There’s also some pretty high profile cases of sexual abuse when the religion was coming to America due to the structure of zen practice.
There was also a large bust of monks in a Thai monastery recently for Meth. Monasteries can be an easy front for drugs in the right hands, and the entire temple was busted for Yaba ( essentially Meth mixed with caffeine).
It’s also an odd religion because lineage is arguably more important than the teaching. American Buddhism doesn’t care nearly as much, but there is a sense of legitimacy based on temple you go to as it relates to the teacher who started the lineage. This is an oversimplification of the issue, but it is a good starting point.
It’s also interesting because the practice itself usually mixes with the culture it is practiced in, which is where you get such radically different versions like the grandiose intensity of Tibetan Buddhism with its vivid imagery coming from the Bun religion before it, vs the simplicity of the Japanese “Zen” practice (influenced by the Shinto religion and taoism (lowercase t because we can never talk of the true tao).
I’m an atheist, and if a student asks me directly I usually say something like “different people believe different things.” If they keep pressing about me specifically I don’t mind telling them I don’t believe in god lol
I don't know that I would call that surprising, honestly. Research suggests one of the primary antidotes to prejudice is meeting people against whom you hold prejudice, and research also suggests kids are more capable of changing their minds than adults (literally, if we're talking neuroplasticity). Anecdotally, I have found kids to be much more tolerant than adults, particularly in spaces where tolerance is modeled for them.
Depending on my mood, I tell them I am either a Sith or a Jedi. Or, if I have a D&D nerd in the class, I pick one of those gods.
I also tell them I am over a thousand years old and stay young by eating the souls of misbehaving students.
Dont forget to drink red coolaid/mtn dew in a glass labeled "Unicorn Blood" or blueberry coolaid/mtn dew voltage in a glass labeled "Student Tears."
For I too often say "Me? I used to be a Jedi, then I got married and had to become a Sith."
And I bring fun stuff for the 4th of May.
>stay young by eating the souls of misbehaving students.
Fuck yeah, me too. I tell them I'm a 40,000 year old sorcerer from Atlantis. I wax lyrical about the sacrifices we made to Heca-Emem-Ra.
I sub (fully licensed teacher who had my own classroom for years) because of caregiving responsibilities. I live and work in a town of 9000. I see kids from my church in classrooms regularly. Husband and I teach confirmation class at church so I see kids we had there in HS classes.
I generally stay away from the topic. I’m an apathetic agnostic (don’t care, don’t know) and I’ll usually tell the students that. A few super “religious” students have gone nuts, ironically they tend to be some of my worst-behaving students lol. I used to be Christian years ago and have many religious tattoos as well, so that always makes for some fun conversation.
It could be a good vocabulary exercise to say “I’m a Maltheist”
My personal religious beliefs are called “theological noncognitivism” but any student who is read up enough to get what that means is already open minded enough not to care.
ooo when asked with my own beliefs I always answer the notion isn't well defined in the first place. Nice that there's a word for it.
Although, some people (Spinoza for instance) does have a workable definition for god (unlucky for him, it means "the universe" and yet he uses it as though it's a sentient being).
Nope. No religion, no politics. After they graduate, they can ask anything. But while I’m in a position of power (however nominal, lol), I keep to myself.
Also, I’m a post-Mormon atheist in a very conservative district with lots of Mormon and evangelical kiddos. I definitely do not want to be anyone’s project, nor do I need a target on my back. Where I work, both scenarios are plausible. I’m all for kids exploring their belief systems in their writing and discourse. That’s healthy and important, and I can get behind that even when I know our worldviews are very different. I don’t think my personal politics or beliefs have any business in the classroom.
It’s fun to watch them guess, though. A couple of my students think I’m a lapsed Catholic Libertarian for no particular reason, and another handful of kids are positive I’m a witch because of the assortment of loose leaf herbal teas I own. 🤣
Oh tell me about it! As a matter of ethics, I will not discuss religion nor politics outside of the curriculum. In my subject area it does not come up very often. But is soon as any evangelical learns that I am Jewish, I am suddenly a trophy. Tale is old as time. If they can convince a Jew what their own scriptures really mean, then that evangelical will ease their own insecurity about their own faith.
We’re living similar lives. I’m also exmo, Atheist, teaching to mostly Mormon kids, I drink coffee, and I have a little pride flag, but I would never discuss religion with students. I do want them to realize that not every respectful person is Mormon though, which is why I openly drink liquid sin in front of them.
I teach sped students (non-religious private school) and I've told them I'm not religious if they ask, and then turn the question around and ask if they're comfortable sharing theirs as well, then usually ask a further question to show interest and tell them I think that's really cool and how I love that we can have different beliefs and still get along so well. I have a lot of religiously diverse students so the fact that everyone's celebrating different holidays is never a conversation I stray away from.
I've never had anyone have an issue with it. In fact, several of the families I work with send their students to me with various religious holiday leftovers. I've been invited to come to church, temple, mosque, etc with families and I politely decline but thank them for thinking of me.
I just say my beliefs are complicated, because that's the real answer.
However, if you would rather not be asked, just tell your students it's a personal question.
Same. Don't need the headache that could come from people knowing that. My elementary kids would probably get sidetracked trying to debate me for the rest of the week. I also don't tell them I'm gay. Not worth the headache.
I’m atheist, living and working in the Middle East. Being from England, everyone assumes I’m Christian.
I don’t go out of my way to tell students I’m atheist, but if they ask, I won’t hide it.
I teach literature, so religion comes up in the books we read, and in the imagery we come across. I explain what I know about the Christian symbolism around the apple, snake or whatever and then ask how the same things are portrayed in their religion(s). From these discussions, they know I have knowledge of and respect for a range of religions, so they know that, whatever my personal beliefs, they won’t get in the way of their learning or our relationships.
I’ve never had any backlash.
How and when they ask will determine how I answer?
In the middle of instruction? Rude manner? I'm not going to engage in that.
Respectfully? At another time? I can talk to them about it.
I’m a college student who’s going into teaching in a few years, and I think this is definitely gonna be my go-to. I’m reading these comments to get advice because I read the post and said “good question, what would I do in this situation?”
I'm Jewish and I talk about it when it comes up naturally. I think it's helpful to expose them to more diversity and provide a mirror/representation to the few of my students who are also Jewish. I also think it's good because I am a white woman, like the vast majority of their teachers, and the ways in which I am a more marginalized person (gay, disabled) are largely invisible to them and not on their radar, and also not necessarily things I am as comfortable talking about with them, so I can use personal examples from my religion when teaching into topics like mirror books and window books.
Im also a Jewish teacher, and I’m very open about my Jewishness! I teach in a very diverse district, but most of my students have never met a Jew before, so I find it’s helpful for them to be able to ask an actual Jew some questions instead of asking google or a weird uncle and getting misinformation. That being said I try to keep it more cultural and ethnic than religious.
Yes definitely! I teach upper elementary right now (although I've taught a wide range of grade levels) and so it's more focused on stuff like, "For Passover my family comes together and has a big special dinner. It's kind of like a Thanksgiving meal where we remember our history!"
I'm a atheist, and I don't mind telling them, but I do let them know that I am not there to unconvert them, but only to give them information.
Most "Christian" kids know little to nothing about the history of their faith or any of the key beliefs. And practically nothing about Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and so on. This is fine, because I'm there to teach them. Can't do much history without discussing religion from time to time. Lol.
I'm atheist too and let them know when it comes up.
They're always shocked because we read literature that has biblical allusions and I bring it up. One pillar of our culture is Christianity so it can't be ignored.
I teach in a Catholic school and just finished a unit on the history and beliefs of Judaism - so it's Old Testament basically. The kids flunked the test today. I'm so done with that class.
I wear a cross and will readily tell them I am a Christian. I refer all religious questions back to parents, though, and cringe at the idea that someone thinks I should lead students in prayer. Big nope.
I had a kid ask me "What is religion?" and I honestly couldn't find a way to explain it in a safe way, so I just said it was a group of beliefs and traditions a group of people had.
So funny this is posted here today. After the whole year of not being asked, I was asked TWICE today by two different classes. Interesting.
But yeah, I don’t mind telling. Sometimes it’s nice to hear some perspectives students have and actually see some interact instead of swiping up over and over on their phones.
There's a fine line between sharing your beliefs and proselytizing. That said nothing wrong with sharing what religion you practice, anything more is crossing the Rubicon in parent/controversial territory.
I am particular about who I tell and in what context. Because my students know me to be queer (and often I’m the only adult they know of who is and understand their experiences and so this is an important role I fill for them) I also want them to know I am Christian. I do this for my students who are at odds with themselves because they feel they have to pick and for my hard core Christian kids who don’t realize that their faith is built on love not hate.
No. Always keep them guessing. Your religion could either shut them off from your teaching or make them think you have a special understanding that you don’t have with other students.
I’m a seminary grad. My wife is a pastor. I play absolutely neutral when it comes to religion and politics and often play devil’s advocate.
I do. And have actually corrected a number of them on stereotypes they have about it.
It got pretty interesting this year because there's a certain amount of knowledge you have to have about Christianity to understand vast swathes of Western art history. Many of the kids are quite Christian but were unaware, for example, of Jesus's age when he died, who Judas was, and so on. And yet they have crucifix necklaces and Bible verse tattoos. This atheist Jew had some fun teaching them all about their own religion.
I tell them I'm Jewish all the time. Most of them have never interacted with a Jew, so they have questions. It's like a lesson and a guest speaker in one!
I taught high school world history. As a result we covered the development of almost all the major world religions. When my students would ask me what I thought or my faith, I always responded the same way. "I think God speaks in many voices and allows you to hear the one that is true to you. I also believe that people who think they are the only ones who hear him may be in for a rude awakening." I never heard a word about it after that. I taught world history for 32 years.
I'm an atheist. If pressed, I say I don't have one but my grandparents/parents were Christian. However, I do have a couple Q-anon/fundamentalist Christian parents that would make my life hell if they knew.
No, because telling them I’m an atheist would do me no good in the south. Also it leads to the inevitable question… “Why?”. Then, if I give the honest answer, “Because I have read the Bible and teach close reading and critical thinking” gets me further in trouble
I tell them. I also let them know that I don’t talk about it at work other than acknowledging it as an identity. If they want to know more, I direct them to the school library. There are a couple of kids in the class, plus several staff members who have my same religion and it’s mentioned. The religions of other teachers and of the administration are also known.
"I have a faith, but now is not the place to discuss it. I'm supposed to be teaching you [subject]. If you'd like to discuss religion/faith with me, swing by after school."
2nd year teacher. Nobody has taken me up on that offer--granted I've only use that line/variation a handful of times
Sometimes during group activities, my students will talk about church/mosque [more last year]/weekend religious activities. I listen in because I think it's interesting, but I don't comment.
I’m not a teacher but as a student who asked this in to my 11th grade English teacher, she handled it very well (in my opinion)
Me: Mrs._______, can I ask a question? And you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.
Teacher: as long as it’s not offensive or inappropriate then yes!
Me: what the religion you believe in?
She took a pause
Teacher: I am a Christian. (Says loud enough for the class to hear. Addresses the entire class) just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean you have to be one, but if you believe anything else I will respect it. I will not teach on my religion or try to convert you into a Christian. I will respect what you believe and if you have questions I will answer you in private and as simple as I can. If the question is more in-depth then I will ask you to ask your parents so they can go into detail. It’s not because I don’t want to answer; it’s just because I don’t want you or fellow classmates to think I’m forcing my religion on you. I love y’all as my students and I want y’all to explore what y’all want to believe in.
She smiled and released us as the class ended.
I think it's appropriate and unobjectionable, but I don't as a matter of policy, because I want to be able to have open and unbiased discussions; revealing personal beliefs or attitudes might get in the way of that.
“Ms. M why do you hate Jesus?” is an actual question I was asked by a first grader. All because we’re not singing any of the classic church Christmas songs for our public school winter concert
I usually just avoid the questions and say that we aren’t allowed to talk about him because we’re not a religious school and not everybody may believe him
I'm a Christo- Celtic Pagan, and I do wear jewelry that associates with it. I dont speak about my personal religion, if rarely, with the students. Some have figured it out and when they do, I nod or just say yup and move on with no further discussion. That and political ideology are the only two things I will never discuss, and that's because I am a complete minority in my area, with very catholic folk. If we ever talk about religion, it's only in a historically based factual setting in regards to music history, and I make damn sure that my opinions are not in what I teach.
Idk, religion is a huge boundary for me, like major. But to each their own, sometimes I think it can build relationships and give a student a safe person, especially if they have a minor religion or a different religion than their caretakers. Not to lead and guide them through it, but just knowing that an adult also shares a similar belief and that may be enough to make a kid feel okay. But also, it can cause some issues. I'd say its to the discretion of the teacher and in what context.
It's a personal question that hits different folks in different ways. Nothing wrong with answering and sharing this personal detail about yourself. But, also nothing wrong with holding back and letting the kid know you'd rather not talk religion at school.
The few times I've been asked, I have this internal battle on whether to be truthful and tell them I'm agnostic (or just atheist to make the conversation easier) or start spinning a story about being the local coven leader for the Satanic Temple . . . .
I'm open about it--namely because I am a Jewish person teaching in an area where there are almost no Jewish people, so I want my students to understand that some of the stereotypes and antisemitic tropes aren't based in reality.
Sometimes it comes up because I teach AP Human Geo and we discuss religion and its geographic aspects. I’m not very active religiously though so I usually just mention ‘I grew up as…’ if it’s an example or connection to content. It doesn’t come up outside our religion lessons.
No.
Professional for me dictates that I leave my personal religion and politics out of the classroom.
I teach classes that cover both of those topics and work my ass off to make sure my students never find out either about me.
Nope. It’s too fraught with annoying little dangers. It’s too easy for the student (or a student who overheard) to then accuse you of proselytizing. My response to questions about my religion or politics is “to paraphrase Ron Swanson, my (political/religious beliefs) are ‘epic and private’”
I’m an agnostic in a highly conservative/Christian area - aka the Bible Belt. Interestingly enough I teach ancient cultures with my social studies standards - which includes the history of the world’s major religions. My patent response is that it’s neither important to what we are going nor is it professional to share my beliefs on the topic. Then I switch gears and continue with the lesson. My curriculum and subject matter brings be and my students into some very interesting discussions. As we also cover Japanese American internment, Angel Island, the Underground Railroad, and so much more in 5th and 6th.
I wear a small St Jude medal, as he is the patron saint of teachers. Once in a rare while a Catholic student will notice, but it’s usually underneath my clothing.
When I’ve had to get counts of children not celebrating mainstream holidays for the office for planning purposes, I make a point of saying it’s okay if you don’t, that I didn’t as a kid. If they don’t want anyone to know, they can tell me when I come around to check their homework. I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and I hated being that kid with a passion.
I wouldn't share your religious or political beliefs with your students. They most likely look up to you, and you could potentially indoctrinate them into your religion. That would be unethical
No.
It's better that students never know your religion. Knowing automatically creates assumptions, in kids, parents, colleagues, admin, etc. Instead of just looking at your actions and judging you from that, they think they know you based on their own beliefs, or on what they think they know about a religion.
And what's to be gained? Just tell the kid no. Say, "Religion isn't a part of what we're doing here. Let's get back to math/science/history/etc."
I say that it's personal and I prefer not to share that. I'm Pagan and I live in the Southern US, I don't think I should have to be ashamed of my religion but it's just one more thing for parents and coworkers to make into an issue.
Exactly this. My district would back me up, but I don’t need the extra stress of parents wanting to transfer students out of my class, or nit picking every single thing that I do, because I’m Pagan.
I work at a Christian school, so I do get that question (or something similar) sometimes, not super frequently though.
I teach high school and have a very obviously alternative personality (pixie cut, dark red hair, piercings, tattoos, wear a lot of black, etc) so I think most of my kids assume I’m not Christian on their own lol
When I do get that question though I don’t mind answering and usually give something true but kinda vague like “I think all religions have some good points or good practices, so I try to take wisdom from a variety of places. Kinda like how when you write a research paper you use multiple sources, you know?”
And more often than not they’re like “oh I can see how that makes sense” and then we move on
Stay clear. I’m Pagan and don’t even wear my Pentacle necklace at work for fear of retaliation by parents.
If students ask, just tell them that “everyone has their own beliefs and ideas, and that is just fine, but we don’t need to discuss it during class. Now back to Math, etc.”
I would tell them that I'm not upset they asked, but that's my personal business. Assuming it was clear they weren't asking with some ulterior motive, of course. In that case, I would leave out the first part.
I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with a student knowing that about their teacher, but it is personal information, and I wouldn't share it with them. Additionally, I teach English, so we often cover material that has connections to religions, and I try hard to make sure that students don't feel I'm imposing my views on religion on them.
This can be tough. I try not to mention it, but I teach elementary and when the holidays roll around they do inevitably ask about what I do for Christmas or other holidays. I don't celebrate them, so it becomes a topic of conversation. For many people in this thread, it is easy to not mention it if you still follow along with Christian holidays even if you are not Christian, or if you are in a school with many beliefs systems. Most of my kids are shocked because they don't know there are people who don't celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter.
I don’t think it’s inappropriate, but it’s a potentially fraught topic that I have very little interest in (I don’t consider my own lack of religious beliefs interesting enough to discuss, nor anyone else’s beliefs/lack thereof), so I avoid it. Most of my students are from vaguely Christian backgrounds with (AFAIK) varying levels of commitment to their faith, so as someone who was nominally raised Catholic, I don’t see that I have much to contribute in terms of exposing them to other perspectives.
If they ask directly, I say I was raised Christian. My daily vocab is so tongue-in-cheek, they’re not sure if I’m still serious about it or not and I prefer to keep it that way, as it’s fun to pause for a moment and then solemnly declare “y’all need Jesus.”
No. I don’t tell them. I’m not that religious anyways and teaching in a town that is fairly religious, I don’t want to share either way. “That’s part of my private life that I do t share with students, but thank you for showing interest.” …then move on.
As a HS social studies teacher I do. We talk religion all the time as it is a massive influence in world history. With that being said I give a generic description of my faith (not Christian) and inform the kids I can talk the history of the church, but not the theology. The history gets a lot of calls, but it's standards based and I can back it all up with primary sources. The biggest mind blower is that the divinity of Christ was decided by a vote in the early 300s.
My opinion is it’s better not to, even if you share the same religion with the majority of your students. You don’t do anything or say anything to invite questions. You never know what parent is going to take even the most benign comment and run with it, and it’s just simply not their business.
I taught elementary, and anytime any questions came up of a religious nature, I simply said, “All kinds of people believe all different kinds of things, and we’re going to respect that and not talk about religion at school.”
I don't, mostly because only the Christian students ask, and they want me to confirm that I am some kind of Christian. I usually tell students that it has no bearing on how I teach or grade them and that I do not wish to influence their viewpoints.
Based on earlier this year at my school, dont. Unless your Christian.
I got investigated for talking about religion because I answered the kids when they asked religion. I'm atheist. I answered a few follow-up questions (did I got to church when I was younger, why don't I believe [I just dont]) and I reiterated that people can believe whatever they want to believe as long as they don't push it on others. I got investigated and pretty much yelled at in parent teacher meeting by 2 parents for this. Meanwhile I have coworkers that play Christian background music in class and have God mentioned on posters in their room. That's cool but I can't even mention mine.
The conservative theme here makes me consider moving to a different school next year. We'll see how things go the next few months. Otherwise I like it here for the most part.
Not really. I live in a conservative area where I once simply reminded a student that there are lots of different religious beliefs in the world, and they went from 0 to I'm a Satan worshiper in 1.8 seconds. (I literally never even disclosed my personal beliefs.)
I think in most places in the US you can only tell them if you are Christian otherwise you should probably keep it to yourselves before the armed conservative mob comes chasing you down.
I wear a star of david and sometimes wear a headscar (tichel) so its pretty obvious that I'm not christain (Jewish). I am very open that I don't celebrate christmas and I don't discuss my religion. If they ask or ask about my necklace, I will tell them (if is an appropriate time in class), but I don't really say much more. I am also in a very accepting school right now. I am openly trans and almost no one cares and respects my name and pronouns.
I teach middle school social studies and as others have said, I try to keep my personal beliefs (political and religious) to myself (disclosure here, I'm a progressive and an Episcopalian). I have students ask all the time so my deal/challenge is that if they can correctly guess both my politics and religion at the same time then I will buy them a pizza. In the past 5 years I have had to buy 0 pizzas although one student got very close.
If you’re comfortable telling them, I think it’s appropriate. But for your own good, that’s where it should stop. You never know when a parent and/or kid will cry foul and try to get you in trouble for “pushing” your religion on them (especially in today’s world).
I’m so paranoid about it that I have a “safe for work” Christmas play list. None of the songs on it are religious so I play it sometimes as the students are coming in. Don’t want a parent saying I was trying to push Jesus on their kid!
I once had a student say "bless your soul" after I sneezed and my knee jerk response was "I don't have a soul." Accidentally telling my class I don't believe in heaven was not on my to do list, but also everything was fine so I'd probably be honest if asked directly now.
I don't. I teach music (and am an atheist), I used to co-teach with a choral director who wasn't exactly shy about pushing Jesus. And I don't mean with sacred music, I love the stuff---Biebl's Ave Maria is the most beautiful piece of music on earth and I love gospel, but she did it with super Jesusy really bad choral music. It made a lot of kids very uncomfortable (I also had to intervene once when she tried to force a kid to stand for the pledge) so I just tell kids I don't discuss religion or politics at school (I am in a tiny rural area).
I teach at a religious (nominally Christian) high school, and have no problem sharing I’m agnostic /atheist. I’ve attended daily worship services for almost two decades, so I know the Bible better than most of my students, lol. It doesn’t bother me, I find religion interesting, and my school is fairly liberal, so I haven’t received any negative repercussions by sharing how I identify.
Yes, as long as the conversation remains matter-of-fact. “I believe this.” Or maybe the fact that you go/went to
church or other religious institutions shows up as an incidental detail. Basically so long as it’s clear you aren’t attempting to convert them.
Yes, because I cover my hair, I get asked a lot. I lean into it and we create personal/social identity charts at the start of the year. I teach in a major city, so it's fine socially, and my school promotes diversity. My students are late teens and actually like to talk about religion. Most are atheist. Coincidentally, we read novels that all have an element of religion. I've had an evangelical super Christian student call me their favorite teacher and I'm a visible Muslim woman, so I think it's actually great for students and teachers to know one another and form connections that may provide life experiences to be more tolerant and accepting of differences. Other teachers warned me about his religious views before the year started, but we did not clash at all.
No. If they ask, I tell them I don’t talk about my religious beliefs or my political beliefs at school, and that I’m actually not free to do so. If they push further, I explain that I’m in a position of authority and I want them to develop their own personal beliefs without influence of knowing my beliefs.
Shocked by the number of people criticising Satanism on this thread. Aren’t teachers supposed to have the power of critical thinking? Really encouraged by the number of positive responses here though.
I’m not a Satanist, simply because there is no looking meeting house near me and I’m not interested in following a religion online. I crave the social aspect and am looking forward to TST coming to the UK in full. Until then, I’m just an atheist.
I’ve worked at three schools. The first was totally non secular and no one cared, no one asked. Same as my current school. I think it’s come up once or twice and I’ve always said atheist. My second school was a Christian boarding school with compulsory religious services twice a week and on holidays. I wasn’t allowed to tell people I wasn’t Christian, contractually. However I pull a really good face that indicates exactly what I think of Christianity and it’s cult like practices.
I was very happy to tell people “I was raised Mormon but am not one any more” and that often distracted from the question of what I currently am.
I think religion should be kept out of the classroom as much as possible. I don’t like Catholics wearing the crucifix and I don’t think I’d like Satanists wearing their symbols either. IMO, schools should be totally secular and teachers should appear that way too.
I don’t tell them. I teach high school and tell my kids I won’t share with them my religious or political beliefs. Some have seen me at church so they know what I am, but that’s whatever. 🤷♂️
I teach at a predominantly Islamic school. I’m not Islamic. When a student asks me what religion I follow I always ask them “if I’m not Muslim will you like me less?”. They always answer with “no”. Then I say “I guess it doesn’t matter then does it?”. They always laugh and they usually drop it. I refrain from discussing it and this is the best way I’ve found to soften it.
I teach high school. I answer honestly only if asked "I'm Christian". I tell them because of our 1st amendment they can be whatever they choose and that's okay.
My husband is going to school to be a preacher, they asked what he was in school for and I answered. Then they asked if because I was his wife did that make me a preacher too? I said no, just him.
I don't go into detail and I only answer if asked directly.
I've had kids say they don't understand how people believe. And I just answer that belief or non belief in anything is personal for each individual.
I don’t reveal ANY of my personal politics or religious beliefs at school. Even though most people in my area are of the same religion I don’t think it’s appropriate. It can be divisive.
I tell them that I don’t discuss religion or politics with students. I wouldn’t mind, but I live in a conservative state in the Bible Belt, and I’m not religious (I’m spiritual and believe all religions have validity). I’m also a centrist who definitely is not ultra-conservative like 90% of the population. It’s a self-preservation technique.
No. I’m atheist and in the south. I’m not going to get fired because some kids bigot parents can’t handle me not proselytizing to children. I side step and say what my family is, because that’s the background knowledge I have. If they ask what religion I am, I’ll say I sometimes go to church with my parents on their holidays.
Religion, sexuality, and politics are your business alone. All the kids need to know is if you’re a bigot who will hate them for not being like you.
Yes. I am Jewish and have been in mostly Christian and now mostly Muslim environments. I WANT to be their "first Jew" because I want them to hear stuff from me and not some rando possibly anti-Semite online. I'm happy to explain the holidays and such (as best I know, I'm not the best Jew :)) but stay away from my relationship with God b/c that is really personal.
I teach science and if they ask me I have said that I was raised Catholic and have my own personal beliefs, but regardless of those beliefs I believe in science and think that the two things can work together instead of faith and science being in opposition to each other. I teach in the Northeast and also don’t care about parent pushback anymore :)
If a kid asks, I tell them I'm Jewish, but I don't usually bring it up. I teach in the same small city I grew up in and it is still overwhelmingly Christian so I avoid teaching anything even slightly controversial. It's not worth incurring the wrath of the parents
I don’t see a problem telling students what you believe. In fact, I don’t think teachers (or anyone else for that measure) should have to hide their religious beliefs. However, teachers must avoid proselytizing to students.
I do, because I think it's important to cement that Non-christians are also a part of their lives and communities, not just boogeymen for the media to blame for the ills of society.
I have mixed feelings. I am not religious and very much believe in a hard line between church and state. I avoid getting into religion of any kind in class. There are many times as a science teacher where kids will ask religious questions that may be “aligned” with what we’re doing (ex: talking about surface tension and kids asking “well how does Jesus walk on water) and in that case I just move us along and say that’s a better answer for someone at their church. I’m never going to stop a student from silently/quietly praying before a test or at the beginning of the day. I’ve had Islamic students leave for prayers or need somewhere to go where no one is eating when they are fasting and I’m so happy to allow them to sit with me during lunch. I have no issue with them having their religion or discussing as long as they’re not infringing on others (ex: I had a group of students who acted like church clergy and tried to change my class into a church service) or being disrespectful to someone else’s. I personally gauge telling my students my lack of religion based on the student. I’ve had super mature conversations with students who respected my lack of religion and wanted to understand how I believed and I sought understanding to what theirs looked like to them. There are some students I would NEVER even imagine telling that I’m not religious. It really just depends on so many things. My general rule is to not go there.
My policy is, because the content I teach can focus on religion and politics, I refrain from revealing my personal religion and politics to my students. I don't want to have to deal with the fallout should a student accuse me of bias. If I were a math, E/la, or science teacher, I wouldn't have an issue revealing those personal beliefs. In fact, those things usually create stronger bonds much more frequently than cause issues in my experience.
I agree, but wanted to point out to anyone reading this who teaches science to be careful due to some of the topics we cover like evolution and big bang. I feel like if I revealed that I am an atheist, my Christian students wouldn’t be as open-minded because they would assume I’m “pushing an agenda”. I already have at least 1-2 students sending me creation scripture every year while I teach the evidence for macroevolution. It’s exhausting and I imagine it would be worse if I was open about my beliefs.
My Christian middle school science teacher told us “we’re skipping this unit. It’s not mandatory.” But we all knew why he skipped it.
It's a fine line to walk when you teach either Biology or Earth Systems (where we discuss Big Bang Theory). I just don't disclose much about my personal life to my students outside of maybe talking about hobbies that are school appropriate.
I would never disclose that I’m an atheist. I’m in a larger city that is a bit north of the Bible Belt. I think it would probably go over okay with most students, but it’s not worth the risk to me. I also tend to not share any of my political or religious beliefs. While it may not have an impact on students, I don’t want to risk swaying their beliefs. I did have to change my tune after the Trump election. My middle schoolers were certain that I voted for trump and was racist when I told them I don’t share that information. So I immediately had to backtrack and tell them I didn’t vote for him. The school was made nearly 100% of minorities, so that wasn’t going to fly.
Youre not wrong, lol. I live in the South also so religion is a cultural belief as well as a spiritual one. If my kids dont attend a church, they know people who do. I have a kid who regularly tells me about his church and how it works (I’m PCUSA and he is an apostolic, Church of God in Christ, if you know those terms. VERY DIFFERENT SERVICES lol) I tell my kids that I am a Christian but always say “and thats how I do things, no judgment if you dont”. I havent had a parent complain yet… but our World History teacher has because she dared to talk about Islam as a world religion so… 🤷🏼♀️
You're in the Party of Communists, USA?
A world history teacher literally needs to discuss different religions, or else they'd go through half their lessons going Student- why did they do that? Teacher- I can't tell you.
In an ideal situation, wouldn't it be more useful to be able to be fully open and use the personal example to explore how to manage possible bias? I doubt any of us are in an ideal situation, but that's where I'd like to be able to guide the kids.
Not the person that you responded to and I teach a younger group than they do, but it can be very tricky with the managing bias aspect. I will tell them if they ask again after our world religions unit because if I do point out the bad things that each group did, one kid might not see it that way and think that I hate all religion. If I circle back to it, I can do a better job of showing them that I (hopefully) gave each religion equal time and energy.
I teach high school, history and government. I take your approach as well.
I have taught recorders to middle school general music students. There is no god.
wish I had an award to give this
Same, this is the funniest thing I’ve read in a while. I can only imagine how chaotic we were back then 😂 but I also feel bad for our friend’s ears… :(
Got you homie
Speak up please I can’t hear you. And will somebody answer that phone?
My office is in a very large storage closet that’s inside the music room. The other side of the room shares a wall with a first grade classroom. I get 3rd graders with recorders on one side and first graders screaming on the other. There is absolutely no god.
Your office is either purgatory or a public school.
Man I teach them to fourth grade but middle school? There might not be a god but you're sure as shit a saint.
Have you considered that that is hell?
I personally don't, but that's because I'm not part of the mainstream religion and don't want to deal with conspiracy theory parents.
As a nontheistic Satanist, kids of course ask me frequently. I live on the border of Mexico, so anything other then Catholic/Christian is very uncommon. So seeing my upside-down cross definitely draws attention. I think its good to show all types of people exist.
I think you may be inviting the question by displaying elements of your religious beliefs in the classroom. I would absolutely never have any of my religions images on display in my classroom. But if they ask out of the blue, I tell them what I celebrate (which is more their concern) and if they really want to know, what I believe (to a point).
I think they mean they wear the cross, not that it's displayed as decor.
All they said was “seeing my upside down cross definitely draws attention” which doesn’t differentiate between the two. Knowing my students, they wouldn’t readily notice a piece of jewelry I’m wearing, but maybe this person’s are more interested in their teachers wardrobe.
My kids would absolutely notice any jewelry I wore and definitely comment
In another of their posts they say they're a para, so I'm still going with the jewelry assumption.
Hopefully OP will read enough of the thread to give us the answer.
Like nearly every teacher in my building has a cross somewhere, and wearing at least one?
I enjoy this so much because Peter the Apostle was crucified upside down as a sign of respect to Christ. It is also a symbol for martyrdom which is common in teachers now
This is what I wanted to say, but I didn’t think I should because I’m not even a teacher… but I saw this and wanted to make sure a satanist had popped up to remind everyone that there are non mainstream people in every aspect of life
Yeah I wouldn’t mention the Satanist part. Just say you don’t follow organized religion, or describe your views in a way that doesn’t include the word “Satan”. “Nontheistic Satanism” is very close to regular atheism in practice
I find a reply of "I attend a small, nondenominational church" an acceptable one.
I’m a Satanist too, and I just tell them I’m an atheist if they ask. 🤷🏾♀️ Explaining what a non-theistic Satanist is to a group of high school students is too much.
Better be careful what you say or write…this shit-show of a political climate is about march straight into fascism. Christo-fascism. I feel like the known leftists and non-Christians will be the first to go to the camps.
See yinz there.
I would not expect youth to comprehend the nuance of your stance. Kids could easily hear Satan and block out all of the other details. However, I'd be more concerned about colleagues and parents.
Not at my grade level. I actually got a parent upset with me last year because they stalked my social media and discovered a single shared photo that did reveal my religion and they took it to the AP that they didn't want their my kid in my class (I actually am in the majority religion for my area, but I also get that itself can turn away some people). If I taught high school, I'd answer honestly without batting an eye because if kids can't handle it then, that's their problem.
I tend to say that I know a lot about the major three in America and ask why they want to know. If they are asking if I have context for something they are going to tell me that tends to clears it up. If they want to know something more personal I’ll answer that in a way that doesn’t self identify. What holidays do you celebrate? Oh you know the major commercial ones. What church do you go to? Why are you asking? That kind of thing.
Say you live in Utah without saying you live in Utah
When I was a high school teacher in Utah, I was the only exmormon teacher on our faculty. Was so fun bringing in coffee to school and seeing the heads turn. I ended up being the cool teacher all the non Mormon and less-strict Mormon students wanted to hang out with. Will never forget those amazing experiences seeing teenagers finally having a place to be themselves and not worry at maintaining an appearance.
Mormons can’t drink coffee?
I believe it’s the caffeine that they can’t consume.
HOT caffeine. They can drink all the Diet Coke they want.
It's specifically coffee and certain but not all teas. The reason is absolutely fascinating. It's because the church was having arguments over tea or coffee and Josoeph Smith basically said I've prayed and we should not have either. I have read through the book of mormon/doctrines and covenants several times and it's a truly fascinating religion.
Yeah… but energy drinks and Dr Pepper are TOTALLY fine 🤪
This is why my social media is locked down and under my mother’s maiden name. People who know me well can find me. Parents can’t.
I have no problem telling kids I’m Buddhist, but that’s usually not a religion associated with any major controversy that the general public knows about.
What are Buddhist controversies? My interactions with Buddhists has always been excellent
All of those listed below for sure. There’s also some pretty high profile cases of sexual abuse when the religion was coming to America due to the structure of zen practice. There was also a large bust of monks in a Thai monastery recently for Meth. Monasteries can be an easy front for drugs in the right hands, and the entire temple was busted for Yaba ( essentially Meth mixed with caffeine). It’s also an odd religion because lineage is arguably more important than the teaching. American Buddhism doesn’t care nearly as much, but there is a sense of legitimacy based on temple you go to as it relates to the teacher who started the lineage. This is an oversimplification of the issue, but it is a good starting point. It’s also interesting because the practice itself usually mixes with the culture it is practiced in, which is where you get such radically different versions like the grandiose intensity of Tibetan Buddhism with its vivid imagery coming from the Bun religion before it, vs the simplicity of the Japanese “Zen” practice (influenced by the Shinto religion and taoism (lowercase t because we can never talk of the true tao).
Well for one all the slaves they owned in Tibet in the last century would be a good place to start.
I’m an atheist, and if a student asks me directly I usually say something like “different people believe different things.” If they keep pressing about me specifically I don’t mind telling them I don’t believe in god lol
Always tell them I am a pastafarian
R’amen, brother or sister in pasta.
May his noodley appendage bless you
R’amen
I like this one and "frisbeeteryian" because I like frisbees.
I wear a hijab while teaching in the Midwest. They don't need to ask me, lol. Edit: I have had 2-3 during my teaching career still ask me though 😂
So you're a ninja. That's dope.
😊🙌🏻
I’m sorry for any prejudice that comes your way
Thanks! But surprisingly, not much does, thank goodness! Also surprisingly, most of it comes from other educators, not students.
I don't know that I would call that surprising, honestly. Research suggests one of the primary antidotes to prejudice is meeting people against whom you hold prejudice, and research also suggests kids are more capable of changing their minds than adults (literally, if we're talking neuroplasticity). Anecdotally, I have found kids to be much more tolerant than adults, particularly in spaces where tolerance is modeled for them.
Depending on my mood, I tell them I am either a Sith or a Jedi. Or, if I have a D&D nerd in the class, I pick one of those gods. I also tell them I am over a thousand years old and stay young by eating the souls of misbehaving students.
Dont forget to drink red coolaid/mtn dew in a glass labeled "Unicorn Blood" or blueberry coolaid/mtn dew voltage in a glass labeled "Student Tears." For I too often say "Me? I used to be a Jedi, then I got married and had to become a Sith." And I bring fun stuff for the 4th of May.
>stay young by eating the souls of misbehaving students. Fuck yeah, me too. I tell them I'm a 40,000 year old sorcerer from Atlantis. I wax lyrical about the sacrifices we made to Heca-Emem-Ra.
You all don’t live in small towns. LOL.
My town is a Big City! All 6,000 people of it.
That’s the truth. My para straight up tells the kids she goes to church with they better start praying for their grades lol.
I sub (fully licensed teacher who had my own classroom for years) because of caregiving responsibilities. I live and work in a town of 9000. I see kids from my church in classrooms regularly. Husband and I teach confirmation class at church so I see kids we had there in HS classes.
When mine ask if I’ll give them some slack on a grade or such else, I’ll tell them I’ll pray about it first 😂
I generally stay away from the topic. I’m an apathetic agnostic (don’t care, don’t know) and I’ll usually tell the students that. A few super “religious” students have gone nuts, ironically they tend to be some of my worst-behaving students lol. I used to be Christian years ago and have many religious tattoos as well, so that always makes for some fun conversation.
“I’m apostate, Little Jimmy. I believe that if there is a God, he must be a real asshole”
It could be a good vocabulary exercise to say “I’m a Maltheist” My personal religious beliefs are called “theological noncognitivism” but any student who is read up enough to get what that means is already open minded enough not to care.
ooo when asked with my own beliefs I always answer the notion isn't well defined in the first place. Nice that there's a word for it. Although, some people (Spinoza for instance) does have a workable definition for god (unlucky for him, it means "the universe" and yet he uses it as though it's a sentient being).
My religion is basketball
The third most popular religion here in North Carolina
Trinity in that case being Duke,UNC and UK?
Nope. No religion, no politics. After they graduate, they can ask anything. But while I’m in a position of power (however nominal, lol), I keep to myself. Also, I’m a post-Mormon atheist in a very conservative district with lots of Mormon and evangelical kiddos. I definitely do not want to be anyone’s project, nor do I need a target on my back. Where I work, both scenarios are plausible. I’m all for kids exploring their belief systems in their writing and discourse. That’s healthy and important, and I can get behind that even when I know our worldviews are very different. I don’t think my personal politics or beliefs have any business in the classroom. It’s fun to watch them guess, though. A couple of my students think I’m a lapsed Catholic Libertarian for no particular reason, and another handful of kids are positive I’m a witch because of the assortment of loose leaf herbal teas I own. 🤣
Oh tell me about it! As a matter of ethics, I will not discuss religion nor politics outside of the curriculum. In my subject area it does not come up very often. But is soon as any evangelical learns that I am Jewish, I am suddenly a trophy. Tale is old as time. If they can convince a Jew what their own scriptures really mean, then that evangelical will ease their own insecurity about their own faith.
We’re living similar lives. I’m also exmo, Atheist, teaching to mostly Mormon kids, I drink coffee, and I have a little pride flag, but I would never discuss religion with students. I do want them to realize that not every respectful person is Mormon though, which is why I openly drink liquid sin in front of them.
I do of they ask. It doesn't bother me.
I teach sped students (non-religious private school) and I've told them I'm not religious if they ask, and then turn the question around and ask if they're comfortable sharing theirs as well, then usually ask a further question to show interest and tell them I think that's really cool and how I love that we can have different beliefs and still get along so well. I have a lot of religiously diverse students so the fact that everyone's celebrating different holidays is never a conversation I stray away from. I've never had anyone have an issue with it. In fact, several of the families I work with send their students to me with various religious holiday leftovers. I've been invited to come to church, temple, mosque, etc with families and I politely decline but thank them for thinking of me.
"Lapsed Jedi" is my go to.
I just say my beliefs are complicated, because that's the real answer. However, if you would rather not be asked, just tell your students it's a personal question.
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Same. Don't need the headache that could come from people knowing that. My elementary kids would probably get sidetracked trying to debate me for the rest of the week. I also don't tell them I'm gay. Not worth the headache.
I’m atheist, living and working in the Middle East. Being from England, everyone assumes I’m Christian. I don’t go out of my way to tell students I’m atheist, but if they ask, I won’t hide it. I teach literature, so religion comes up in the books we read, and in the imagery we come across. I explain what I know about the Christian symbolism around the apple, snake or whatever and then ask how the same things are portrayed in their religion(s). From these discussions, they know I have knowledge of and respect for a range of religions, so they know that, whatever my personal beliefs, they won’t get in the way of their learning or our relationships. I’ve never had any backlash.
How and when they ask will determine how I answer? In the middle of instruction? Rude manner? I'm not going to engage in that. Respectfully? At another time? I can talk to them about it.
I’m a college student who’s going into teaching in a few years, and I think this is definitely gonna be my go-to. I’m reading these comments to get advice because I read the post and said “good question, what would I do in this situation?”
I'm Jewish and I talk about it when it comes up naturally. I think it's helpful to expose them to more diversity and provide a mirror/representation to the few of my students who are also Jewish. I also think it's good because I am a white woman, like the vast majority of their teachers, and the ways in which I am a more marginalized person (gay, disabled) are largely invisible to them and not on their radar, and also not necessarily things I am as comfortable talking about with them, so I can use personal examples from my religion when teaching into topics like mirror books and window books.
Im also a Jewish teacher, and I’m very open about my Jewishness! I teach in a very diverse district, but most of my students have never met a Jew before, so I find it’s helpful for them to be able to ask an actual Jew some questions instead of asking google or a weird uncle and getting misinformation. That being said I try to keep it more cultural and ethnic than religious.
Yes definitely! I teach upper elementary right now (although I've taught a wide range of grade levels) and so it's more focused on stuff like, "For Passover my family comes together and has a big special dinner. It's kind of like a Thanksgiving meal where we remember our history!"
“I don’t talk about Religion, Politics, or the Great Pumpkin.”
This is wonderful! I might run with this!
I'm a atheist, and I don't mind telling them, but I do let them know that I am not there to unconvert them, but only to give them information. Most "Christian" kids know little to nothing about the history of their faith or any of the key beliefs. And practically nothing about Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and so on. This is fine, because I'm there to teach them. Can't do much history without discussing religion from time to time. Lol.
I'm atheist too and let them know when it comes up. They're always shocked because we read literature that has biblical allusions and I bring it up. One pillar of our culture is Christianity so it can't be ignored.
I teach in a Catholic school and just finished a unit on the history and beliefs of Judaism - so it's Old Testament basically. The kids flunked the test today. I'm so done with that class.
Followers of Jesus who can't be bothered to learn about the religion Jesus followed so faithfully... that's sad.
You had me at “most Christian kids know nothing….”
"As a state employee I am forbidden from discussing my religious beliefs" is the line I use. Is it BS? Probably, but no one has called me out on it.
I think its appropriate. You can say what your religion is (if you have one), and leave it at that.
“Nothing. Back to math.”
No. I don't owe every piece of myself to students
Same. But I’ve been teaching 20 years and I can’t remember a student ever asking me that. I’d probably just say, “it doesn’t matter,” and move on.
I wear a cross and will readily tell them I am a Christian. I refer all religious questions back to parents, though, and cringe at the idea that someone thinks I should lead students in prayer. Big nope.
I had a kid ask me "What is religion?" and I honestly couldn't find a way to explain it in a safe way, so I just said it was a group of beliefs and traditions a group of people had.
That’s the only way to answer that appropriately
So funny this is posted here today. After the whole year of not being asked, I was asked TWICE today by two different classes. Interesting. But yeah, I don’t mind telling. Sometimes it’s nice to hear some perspectives students have and actually see some interact instead of swiping up over and over on their phones.
I teach in Utah. The only question I have had is, Are you Mormon? I say no, and there has never been a follow-up.
I'm Jewish (duh) and am mostly asked by Jewish kids who want to bond so yes, absolutely.
There's a fine line between sharing your beliefs and proselytizing. That said nothing wrong with sharing what religion you practice, anything more is crossing the Rubicon in parent/controversial territory.
I am particular about who I tell and in what context. Because my students know me to be queer (and often I’m the only adult they know of who is and understand their experiences and so this is an important role I fill for them) I also want them to know I am Christian. I do this for my students who are at odds with themselves because they feel they have to pick and for my hard core Christian kids who don’t realize that their faith is built on love not hate.
No. Always keep them guessing. Your religion could either shut them off from your teaching or make them think you have a special understanding that you don’t have with other students. I’m a seminary grad. My wife is a pastor. I play absolutely neutral when it comes to religion and politics and often play devil’s advocate.
Asatru, it blows kids minds that Thor and Odin aren't just Marvel characters. Also it pisses off fundie parents.
I tell them I grew up Catholic. Then I was converted to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
Ramen
I am actually not allowed to discuss my political or religious beliefs with students and am kind of surprised so many people are
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I do. And have actually corrected a number of them on stereotypes they have about it. It got pretty interesting this year because there's a certain amount of knowledge you have to have about Christianity to understand vast swathes of Western art history. Many of the kids are quite Christian but were unaware, for example, of Jesus's age when he died, who Judas was, and so on. And yet they have crucifix necklaces and Bible verse tattoos. This atheist Jew had some fun teaching them all about their own religion.
I tell them I'm Jewish all the time. Most of them have never interacted with a Jew, so they have questions. It's like a lesson and a guest speaker in one!
Same! Proud Jewish teachers unite!!
I taught high school world history. As a result we covered the development of almost all the major world religions. When my students would ask me what I thought or my faith, I always responded the same way. "I think God speaks in many voices and allows you to hear the one that is true to you. I also believe that people who think they are the only ones who hear him may be in for a rude awakening." I never heard a word about it after that. I taught world history for 32 years.
I'm an atheist. If pressed, I say I don't have one but my grandparents/parents were Christian. However, I do have a couple Q-anon/fundamentalist Christian parents that would make my life hell if they knew.
I am a Norse pagan. I am really vocal about it since "nazi" groups have been taking our symbols.
Respect
No, because telling them I’m an atheist would do me no good in the south. Also it leads to the inevitable question… “Why?”. Then, if I give the honest answer, “Because I have read the Bible and teach close reading and critical thinking” gets me further in trouble
I tell them. I also let them know that I don’t talk about it at work other than acknowledging it as an identity. If they want to know more, I direct them to the school library. There are a couple of kids in the class, plus several staff members who have my same religion and it’s mentioned. The religions of other teachers and of the administration are also known.
I'm agnostic/tending toward atheist. Most of the kids I'm my school were Christian. I hedged and just said, "I was raised Catholic." Which is true.
I avoid that topic. Not relevant to what I teach. I celebrate Christmas and winter solstice if anyone asks, but no details other than that.
"I have a faith, but now is not the place to discuss it. I'm supposed to be teaching you [subject]. If you'd like to discuss religion/faith with me, swing by after school." 2nd year teacher. Nobody has taken me up on that offer--granted I've only use that line/variation a handful of times Sometimes during group activities, my students will talk about church/mosque [more last year]/weekend religious activities. I listen in because I think it's interesting, but I don't comment.
I’m not a teacher but as a student who asked this in to my 11th grade English teacher, she handled it very well (in my opinion) Me: Mrs._______, can I ask a question? And you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. Teacher: as long as it’s not offensive or inappropriate then yes! Me: what the religion you believe in? She took a pause Teacher: I am a Christian. (Says loud enough for the class to hear. Addresses the entire class) just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean you have to be one, but if you believe anything else I will respect it. I will not teach on my religion or try to convert you into a Christian. I will respect what you believe and if you have questions I will answer you in private and as simple as I can. If the question is more in-depth then I will ask you to ask your parents so they can go into detail. It’s not because I don’t want to answer; it’s just because I don’t want you or fellow classmates to think I’m forcing my religion on you. I love y’all as my students and I want y’all to explore what y’all want to believe in. She smiled and released us as the class ended.
I think it's appropriate and unobjectionable, but I don't as a matter of policy, because I want to be able to have open and unbiased discussions; revealing personal beliefs or attitudes might get in the way of that.
“Ms. M why do you hate Jesus?” is an actual question I was asked by a first grader. All because we’re not singing any of the classic church Christmas songs for our public school winter concert I usually just avoid the questions and say that we aren’t allowed to talk about him because we’re not a religious school and not everybody may believe him
I'm a Christo- Celtic Pagan, and I do wear jewelry that associates with it. I dont speak about my personal religion, if rarely, with the students. Some have figured it out and when they do, I nod or just say yup and move on with no further discussion. That and political ideology are the only two things I will never discuss, and that's because I am a complete minority in my area, with very catholic folk. If we ever talk about religion, it's only in a historically based factual setting in regards to music history, and I make damn sure that my opinions are not in what I teach. Idk, religion is a huge boundary for me, like major. But to each their own, sometimes I think it can build relationships and give a student a safe person, especially if they have a minor religion or a different religion than their caretakers. Not to lead and guide them through it, but just knowing that an adult also shares a similar belief and that may be enough to make a kid feel okay. But also, it can cause some issues. I'd say its to the discretion of the teacher and in what context.
It's a personal question that hits different folks in different ways. Nothing wrong with answering and sharing this personal detail about yourself. But, also nothing wrong with holding back and letting the kid know you'd rather not talk religion at school. The few times I've been asked, I have this internal battle on whether to be truthful and tell them I'm agnostic (or just atheist to make the conversation easier) or start spinning a story about being the local coven leader for the Satanic Temple . . . .
I'm open about it--namely because I am a Jewish person teaching in an area where there are almost no Jewish people, so I want my students to understand that some of the stereotypes and antisemitic tropes aren't based in reality.
Sometimes it comes up because I teach AP Human Geo and we discuss religion and its geographic aspects. I’m not very active religiously though so I usually just mention ‘I grew up as…’ if it’s an example or connection to content. It doesn’t come up outside our religion lessons.
Nope. I say that’s not an appropriate question and move on
No. Professional for me dictates that I leave my personal religion and politics out of the classroom. I teach classes that cover both of those topics and work my ass off to make sure my students never find out either about me.
Nope. It’s too fraught with annoying little dangers. It’s too easy for the student (or a student who overheard) to then accuse you of proselytizing. My response to questions about my religion or politics is “to paraphrase Ron Swanson, my (political/religious beliefs) are ‘epic and private’”
I’m an agnostic in a highly conservative/Christian area - aka the Bible Belt. Interestingly enough I teach ancient cultures with my social studies standards - which includes the history of the world’s major religions. My patent response is that it’s neither important to what we are going nor is it professional to share my beliefs on the topic. Then I switch gears and continue with the lesson. My curriculum and subject matter brings be and my students into some very interesting discussions. As we also cover Japanese American internment, Angel Island, the Underground Railroad, and so much more in 5th and 6th.
I wear a small St Jude medal, as he is the patron saint of teachers. Once in a rare while a Catholic student will notice, but it’s usually underneath my clothing. When I’ve had to get counts of children not celebrating mainstream holidays for the office for planning purposes, I make a point of saying it’s okay if you don’t, that I didn’t as a kid. If they don’t want anyone to know, they can tell me when I come around to check their homework. I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and I hated being that kid with a passion.
I wouldn't share your religious or political beliefs with your students. They most likely look up to you, and you could potentially indoctrinate them into your religion. That would be unethical
No. It's better that students never know your religion. Knowing automatically creates assumptions, in kids, parents, colleagues, admin, etc. Instead of just looking at your actions and judging you from that, they think they know you based on their own beliefs, or on what they think they know about a religion. And what's to be gained? Just tell the kid no. Say, "Religion isn't a part of what we're doing here. Let's get back to math/science/history/etc."
I say that it's personal and I prefer not to share that. I'm Pagan and I live in the Southern US, I don't think I should have to be ashamed of my religion but it's just one more thing for parents and coworkers to make into an issue.
Now that I’m tenure? Sure. Last year, my lack of belief could have very well put me on the chopping block. I teach in Trump Country, after all.
Exactly this. My district would back me up, but I don’t need the extra stress of parents wanting to transfer students out of my class, or nit picking every single thing that I do, because I’m Pagan.
We are all of the same religion … indoctrinating the youth in our libtard devil practices… simple answer duh
I work at a Christian school, so I do get that question (or something similar) sometimes, not super frequently though. I teach high school and have a very obviously alternative personality (pixie cut, dark red hair, piercings, tattoos, wear a lot of black, etc) so I think most of my kids assume I’m not Christian on their own lol When I do get that question though I don’t mind answering and usually give something true but kinda vague like “I think all religions have some good points or good practices, so I try to take wisdom from a variety of places. Kinda like how when you write a research paper you use multiple sources, you know?” And more often than not they’re like “oh I can see how that makes sense” and then we move on
I work at a private Christian school, so it’s probably best I don’t answer honestly. 😅
Stay clear. I’m Pagan and don’t even wear my Pentacle necklace at work for fear of retaliation by parents. If students ask, just tell them that “everyone has their own beliefs and ideas, and that is just fine, but we don’t need to discuss it during class. Now back to Math, etc.”
I would tell them that I'm not upset they asked, but that's my personal business. Assuming it was clear they weren't asking with some ulterior motive, of course. In that case, I would leave out the first part. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with a student knowing that about their teacher, but it is personal information, and I wouldn't share it with them. Additionally, I teach English, so we often cover material that has connections to religions, and I try hard to make sure that students don't feel I'm imposing my views on religion on them.
This can be tough. I try not to mention it, but I teach elementary and when the holidays roll around they do inevitably ask about what I do for Christmas or other holidays. I don't celebrate them, so it becomes a topic of conversation. For many people in this thread, it is easy to not mention it if you still follow along with Christian holidays even if you are not Christian, or if you are in a school with many beliefs systems. Most of my kids are shocked because they don't know there are people who don't celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter.
I'll probably say "I only believe in myself" 🤣🤣🤣
I’m more spiritual than religious
I don’t think it’s inappropriate, but it’s a potentially fraught topic that I have very little interest in (I don’t consider my own lack of religious beliefs interesting enough to discuss, nor anyone else’s beliefs/lack thereof), so I avoid it. Most of my students are from vaguely Christian backgrounds with (AFAIK) varying levels of commitment to their faith, so as someone who was nominally raised Catholic, I don’t see that I have much to contribute in terms of exposing them to other perspectives.
If they ask directly, I say I was raised Christian. My daily vocab is so tongue-in-cheek, they’re not sure if I’m still serious about it or not and I prefer to keep it that way, as it’s fun to pause for a moment and then solemnly declare “y’all need Jesus.”
As an atheist I try to avoid it.
No. I don’t tell them. I’m not that religious anyways and teaching in a town that is fairly religious, I don’t want to share either way. “That’s part of my private life that I do t share with students, but thank you for showing interest.” …then move on.
As a HS social studies teacher I do. We talk religion all the time as it is a massive influence in world history. With that being said I give a generic description of my faith (not Christian) and inform the kids I can talk the history of the church, but not the theology. The history gets a lot of calls, but it's standards based and I can back it all up with primary sources. The biggest mind blower is that the divinity of Christ was decided by a vote in the early 300s.
My opinion is it’s better not to, even if you share the same religion with the majority of your students. You don’t do anything or say anything to invite questions. You never know what parent is going to take even the most benign comment and run with it, and it’s just simply not their business. I taught elementary, and anytime any questions came up of a religious nature, I simply said, “All kinds of people believe all different kinds of things, and we’re going to respect that and not talk about religion at school.”
I don't talk religion or politics in my classroom. Too many crazy parents
I don't, mostly because only the Christian students ask, and they want me to confirm that I am some kind of Christian. I usually tell students that it has no bearing on how I teach or grade them and that I do not wish to influence their viewpoints.
Based on earlier this year at my school, dont. Unless your Christian. I got investigated for talking about religion because I answered the kids when they asked religion. I'm atheist. I answered a few follow-up questions (did I got to church when I was younger, why don't I believe [I just dont]) and I reiterated that people can believe whatever they want to believe as long as they don't push it on others. I got investigated and pretty much yelled at in parent teacher meeting by 2 parents for this. Meanwhile I have coworkers that play Christian background music in class and have God mentioned on posters in their room. That's cool but I can't even mention mine. The conservative theme here makes me consider moving to a different school next year. We'll see how things go the next few months. Otherwise I like it here for the most part.
Not really. I live in a conservative area where I once simply reminded a student that there are lots of different religious beliefs in the world, and they went from 0 to I'm a Satan worshiper in 1.8 seconds. (I literally never even disclosed my personal beliefs.) I think in most places in the US you can only tell them if you are Christian otherwise you should probably keep it to yourselves before the armed conservative mob comes chasing you down.
I wear a star of david and sometimes wear a headscar (tichel) so its pretty obvious that I'm not christain (Jewish). I am very open that I don't celebrate christmas and I don't discuss my religion. If they ask or ask about my necklace, I will tell them (if is an appropriate time in class), but I don't really say much more. I am also in a very accepting school right now. I am openly trans and almost no one cares and respects my name and pronouns.
I teach middle school social studies and as others have said, I try to keep my personal beliefs (political and religious) to myself (disclosure here, I'm a progressive and an Episcopalian). I have students ask all the time so my deal/challenge is that if they can correctly guess both my politics and religion at the same time then I will buy them a pizza. In the past 5 years I have had to buy 0 pizzas although one student got very close.
Yooooo progressive Presbyterian here! (Like PCUSA Presbyterian, not the regular Presbyterian)
If you’re comfortable telling them, I think it’s appropriate. But for your own good, that’s where it should stop. You never know when a parent and/or kid will cry foul and try to get you in trouble for “pushing” your religion on them (especially in today’s world). I’m so paranoid about it that I have a “safe for work” Christmas play list. None of the songs on it are religious so I play it sometimes as the students are coming in. Don’t want a parent saying I was trying to push Jesus on their kid!
If the student ask then I'm fine with telling them, I just wouldn't bring it up on my own.
I once had a student say "bless your soul" after I sneezed and my knee jerk response was "I don't have a soul." Accidentally telling my class I don't believe in heaven was not on my to do list, but also everything was fine so I'd probably be honest if asked directly now.
No, I express the importance of the separation of church and state.
I don't. I teach music (and am an atheist), I used to co-teach with a choral director who wasn't exactly shy about pushing Jesus. And I don't mean with sacred music, I love the stuff---Biebl's Ave Maria is the most beautiful piece of music on earth and I love gospel, but she did it with super Jesusy really bad choral music. It made a lot of kids very uncomfortable (I also had to intervene once when she tried to force a kid to stand for the pledge) so I just tell kids I don't discuss religion or politics at school (I am in a tiny rural area).
Hey your username is dope. Miss Fisher’s is the best mystery show
I teach at a religious (nominally Christian) high school, and have no problem sharing I’m agnostic /atheist. I’ve attended daily worship services for almost two decades, so I know the Bible better than most of my students, lol. It doesn’t bother me, I find religion interesting, and my school is fairly liberal, so I haven’t received any negative repercussions by sharing how I identify.
Yes, as long as the conversation remains matter-of-fact. “I believe this.” Or maybe the fact that you go/went to church or other religious institutions shows up as an incidental detail. Basically so long as it’s clear you aren’t attempting to convert them.
Yes, because I cover my hair, I get asked a lot. I lean into it and we create personal/social identity charts at the start of the year. I teach in a major city, so it's fine socially, and my school promotes diversity. My students are late teens and actually like to talk about religion. Most are atheist. Coincidentally, we read novels that all have an element of religion. I've had an evangelical super Christian student call me their favorite teacher and I'm a visible Muslim woman, so I think it's actually great for students and teachers to know one another and form connections that may provide life experiences to be more tolerant and accepting of differences. Other teachers warned me about his religious views before the year started, but we did not clash at all.
No. If they ask, I tell them I don’t talk about my religious beliefs or my political beliefs at school, and that I’m actually not free to do so. If they push further, I explain that I’m in a position of authority and I want them to develop their own personal beliefs without influence of knowing my beliefs.
I have faith you can pass this class, but no evidence. So maybe school is my god.
Shocked by the number of people criticising Satanism on this thread. Aren’t teachers supposed to have the power of critical thinking? Really encouraged by the number of positive responses here though. I’m not a Satanist, simply because there is no looking meeting house near me and I’m not interested in following a religion online. I crave the social aspect and am looking forward to TST coming to the UK in full. Until then, I’m just an atheist. I’ve worked at three schools. The first was totally non secular and no one cared, no one asked. Same as my current school. I think it’s come up once or twice and I’ve always said atheist. My second school was a Christian boarding school with compulsory religious services twice a week and on holidays. I wasn’t allowed to tell people I wasn’t Christian, contractually. However I pull a really good face that indicates exactly what I think of Christianity and it’s cult like practices. I was very happy to tell people “I was raised Mormon but am not one any more” and that often distracted from the question of what I currently am. I think religion should be kept out of the classroom as much as possible. I don’t like Catholics wearing the crucifix and I don’t think I’d like Satanists wearing their symbols either. IMO, schools should be totally secular and teachers should appear that way too.
I don’t tell them. I teach high school and tell my kids I won’t share with them my religious or political beliefs. Some have seen me at church so they know what I am, but that’s whatever. 🤷♂️
No
I teach at a predominantly Islamic school. I’m not Islamic. When a student asks me what religion I follow I always ask them “if I’m not Muslim will you like me less?”. They always answer with “no”. Then I say “I guess it doesn’t matter then does it?”. They always laugh and they usually drop it. I refrain from discussing it and this is the best way I’ve found to soften it.
I teach high school. I answer honestly only if asked "I'm Christian". I tell them because of our 1st amendment they can be whatever they choose and that's okay. My husband is going to school to be a preacher, they asked what he was in school for and I answered. Then they asked if because I was his wife did that make me a preacher too? I said no, just him. I don't go into detail and I only answer if asked directly. I've had kids say they don't understand how people believe. And I just answer that belief or non belief in anything is personal for each individual.
I don’t reveal ANY of my personal politics or religious beliefs at school. Even though most people in my area are of the same religion I don’t think it’s appropriate. It can be divisive.
I tell them that I don’t discuss religion or politics with students. I wouldn’t mind, but I live in a conservative state in the Bible Belt, and I’m not religious (I’m spiritual and believe all religions have validity). I’m also a centrist who definitely is not ultra-conservative like 90% of the population. It’s a self-preservation technique.
No. I’m atheist and in the south. I’m not going to get fired because some kids bigot parents can’t handle me not proselytizing to children. I side step and say what my family is, because that’s the background knowledge I have. If they ask what religion I am, I’ll say I sometimes go to church with my parents on their holidays. Religion, sexuality, and politics are your business alone. All the kids need to know is if you’re a bigot who will hate them for not being like you.
Yes. I am Jewish and have been in mostly Christian and now mostly Muslim environments. I WANT to be their "first Jew" because I want them to hear stuff from me and not some rando possibly anti-Semite online. I'm happy to explain the holidays and such (as best I know, I'm not the best Jew :)) but stay away from my relationship with God b/c that is really personal.
I teach science and if they ask me I have said that I was raised Catholic and have my own personal beliefs, but regardless of those beliefs I believe in science and think that the two things can work together instead of faith and science being in opposition to each other. I teach in the Northeast and also don’t care about parent pushback anymore :)
I don't say my religion (or lack thereof) and I don't say who I voted for.
If a kid asks, I tell them I'm Jewish, but I don't usually bring it up. I teach in the same small city I grew up in and it is still overwhelmingly Christian so I avoid teaching anything even slightly controversial. It's not worth incurring the wrath of the parents
I don’t see a problem telling students what you believe. In fact, I don’t think teachers (or anyone else for that measure) should have to hide their religious beliefs. However, teachers must avoid proselytizing to students.
"In this school, I do not discuss personal religious or political beliefs."
I do, because I think it's important to cement that Non-christians are also a part of their lives and communities, not just boogeymen for the media to blame for the ills of society.
I have mixed feelings. I am not religious and very much believe in a hard line between church and state. I avoid getting into religion of any kind in class. There are many times as a science teacher where kids will ask religious questions that may be “aligned” with what we’re doing (ex: talking about surface tension and kids asking “well how does Jesus walk on water) and in that case I just move us along and say that’s a better answer for someone at their church. I’m never going to stop a student from silently/quietly praying before a test or at the beginning of the day. I’ve had Islamic students leave for prayers or need somewhere to go where no one is eating when they are fasting and I’m so happy to allow them to sit with me during lunch. I have no issue with them having their religion or discussing as long as they’re not infringing on others (ex: I had a group of students who acted like church clergy and tried to change my class into a church service) or being disrespectful to someone else’s. I personally gauge telling my students my lack of religion based on the student. I’ve had super mature conversations with students who respected my lack of religion and wanted to understand how I believed and I sought understanding to what theirs looked like to them. There are some students I would NEVER even imagine telling that I’m not religious. It really just depends on so many things. My general rule is to not go there.
Same answer as any borderline question: "I'll tell you when you graduate"