Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Patriotic/Unpatriotic Facts After teaching middle school Social Studies for many years, I decided to go back to school to get my graduate degree. In one of my classes, we studied James Loewen's Lies My Teacher Told Me. I was so influenced by this book and the idea that we have been presenting students inaccurate information that I have been thoroughly researching the content I teach before presenting it to my students. Recently we have been studying international affairs of the US government. Some of the information I presented revealed actions the US government engaged in other countries that resulted in killings and disturbances. My students were interested in the materials and some of the issues we discussed in class made dinner-time discussions at home. One of the parents who is a retired army officer came to the school to talk to my principal. He told the principal that I was indoctrinating students. When my principal told me about this, I explained to her that all the information I presented was factual and that I researched the information from multiple resources. Her suggestion to me was that I should focus more on teaching patriotic materials. I am so frustrated that I do not have the support of my principal. Also, I disagree that what I teach is unpatriotic. I am simply trying to teach accurate information. If I continue doing what I do, I may lose my job. However, I do not want to give up teaching my students the truth. How should I go about this issue? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) As a history teacher, I will explain to the principal the standard and the information the students are supposed to learn. I have though about this possibly happening to me, although it hasn't. If it were to; however, I'd explain to the students that this is standard, the information, and the lesson. I'd also explain to them that they are to learn that while the United States is a great place and that it is fine to love one's country, it is important to learn all aspects of history. Additionally, I'd let students know that they are to shape their own thoughts and opinions of the information learned in this course. Also, I'd speak with the parent as well. Explain to them that my father served in Vietnam in the 60s and that I understand their point of view; however, I do want the student to form their own thoughts and opinions, as well as learn what they are supposed to learn and generate from this course.