This article and video blew me away...not only does it try to cover how a teacher should discipline, but it also tries to cover free speech, the Confederate flag, bullying, and how the teacher should have picked up on a "teachable moment" while other students were exchanging inappropriate statements about gay rights.
God, I hate that term..."teachable moment."
Unfortunately, when you try to turn something controversial into a "teachable moment" one of two things will happen, the student involved will try to see how far they can push their "free speech" and say some really offensive things OR parents of students in the class will get upset with the teacher for allowing this conversation to happen in the first place citing that values education should occur at home. It's a Lose/Lose in most situations. I'm not saying it can't be done, but the teacher has got to set some staunch guidelines before launching into a "teachable moment," especially a controversial one...such as the Confederate flag or gay rights.
Oh, right and continue to teach their curriculum at the same time...good luck with that.
Anyway, take some time to see what this young man has to say about his experience in school. He's right...some of the worst things are said in a classroom and a teacher who stands up, calls the offender out, and actually does something, can make all the difference.
Reading through some of the comments that people left made me a little nauseous, so you might want to skip over that ignorance, but think about it...we, as parents, give our children the voice to be able to stand up and say what they believe. I wish more kids felt as supported as this young man and were able to articulate their feelings in a well-meaning way.
