How Schools Are Using The Trump Impeachment Inquiry As A Teachable Moment
For the fourth time in history, Congress is considering impeaching the president of the United States. For teachers around the country, it's an opportunity to explore concepts and skills that are often relegated to textbooks.
We asked social studies teachers from around the country how — if at all — they're using this teachable moment, navigating the nationally polarizing topic and trying to sidestep the often asked question, "What do you think?"
Many educators told us they're embracing the opportunity to bring concepts such as checks and balances to life. Some say they don't have much time to address current events in class because of the amount of material they have to cover in a year.
Still, others may have the time to address impeachment in class but are avoiding the divisive topic because of how polarizing it can be, says Rwany Sibaja, who trains future social studies teachers at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Despite those potential challenges, "teachers who ignore [impeachment] and don't allow students to ask questions and to be critical thinkers," Sibaja argues, "I think that's sort of a lost opportunity."
Teachers who have the time and choose to tackle impeachment told us they often have to start with the basics, like, "What is CONTINUE READING: How Schools Are Using The Trump Impeachment Inquiry To Teach Key Skills : NPR
