ELECTION

As many of you would already know, our Grade 5/6 class participated in the Manitoba Votes student election program over the past little while. Mr. Dennis has been working with them to learn about our democratic processes, our political leaders, and the basics of the political spectrum. Having taught students Social Studies at various grade levels over my 13 year career, I can honestly say it is the most rewarding and enjoyable topic to work with. Students exhibit a general curiosity about each party and each leader and while a firm grip on the political spectrum can be hard for students to grasp, it is always fun to watch them develop a sense of self as they consider and challenge their own beliefs along the way.

As teachers, there is a delicate line to walk where we do our best to avoid instilling the political ideals of our students but help them develop a deeper understanding of all they need to consider when making their own choice. I have always told my students that if I have done a good job, they will be uncertain of what my voting preference is. I work hard to build knowledge and understanding of each party and each platform so that at any given moment I can provide the perspective necessary as a counterpoint in our discussions. A great teacher of democracy can make a compelling case for every place on the political spectrum so that students can focus on their own values and try to place themselves. Having said that, I also make sure to inform my students that all forms of media are bias and that as a teacher I am a form of media. During elections, I am a delivery vehicle for information on current events and election issues. I see the world through a lens that has been shaded by my own beliefs and life experiences. No matter how hard I try, some of what I say and share will be shaded slightly by my view of the world.

In my estimation, a significant portion of being an "educated" person is the ability to identify our own bias and the bias around us. An educated person can present all perspectives on an issue, not just their own. An educated person can find reasonable thought inside the perspectives of others. This allows for a respectful discourse on how to improve and serve society. I love "teaching" students to think and elections tend to provide a great opportunity to achieve that goal. Hopefully Canadian politics will focus on things worth thinking about and not on mud slinging and soundbites. These conversations are what democracy is really all about. Voting is just the final act of the process.