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Legally Speaking Principal meeting Winter 2017

I thought you might be interested in this excerpt from “Legally Speaking” by CEAI Executive Director Finn Laursen. “Legally Speaking” is a regular feature in CEAI’s Teachers of Vision magazine, in which Finn responds to questions that come in to the Member Service Center.

Q: My building principal has asked for a meeting to discuss my mentioning religion in class. Can you offer any advice I can take with me into the meeting tomorrow?

A: We advise that you prepare yourself to genuinely hear the principal’s concerns. We do not recommend an adversarial approach. Start by just listening. If asked to defend your teaching practices, share any documentation demonstrating that the material you taught falls within board adopted textbooks and curriculum.

While teaching about various different religions is legal, your administration oversees the materials and the textbooks you use to teach. Most teachers are given the freedom to incorporate resources outside of the adopted district scope, but your administrators can request that you stay within it. So, ensure that you do not put yourself in a position of insubordination. Remember, the school board hired you to teach the board adopted curriculum.

There are many ways to be witnesses to the love and truth of Christ while being true to our nation’s laws. If you need guidance on these issues, or anything else related to walking out your faith as an educator, please contact us.

Blessings,

David Schmus
Outreach Director
Christian Educators Association International
ceai.org

P.S. Digital and/or print subscriptions to Teachers of Vision magazine is a benefit of our paid memberships. Are you receiving yours? Please contact us with any questions.