Chapter 3: Families and Communities

According to the United States Constitution, church and state are required to stay separate. Though public schools are not required to keep the two completely separate, the benefits of including religious views in the curriculum are not substantial enough for a positive inclusion. The line between understanding and practicing is thin and controversial. Over the years schools have adapted to sensitivity to religious differences by being constantly aware of the beliefs within the classroom and community. To avoid problems with students and angry parents, the teacher must be understanding and adapt to any sensitivities. The teacher's beliefs should not be forced onto the students in the classroom and therefore one must be very careful of their speech and actions when teaching. Dealing with religious differences in a professional way is one of the most important lessons a teacher can learn. With constant lessons that could be considered as swaying towards one religious belief or another, teachers must consider the myriad opportunities they will have to be seen as influencing an idea. Cautiousness within all subjects is incredibly important for maintaining a professional and socially open and understanding classroom atmosphere.