Religion in the Schools is relevant to me because I am a Teacher Assistant and I currently have two children in the school system. As a parent I am always concerned about what they are taught and what they are not taught. I want my children to grow up to be well-rounded and be able to think for themselves. I am also a United States citizen and I view this topic as my right to become informed and supportive.
I see religion in the schools as something that is an important part of the students as well as a teacher’s cultural history/background and needs to be celebrated and incorporated into the classroom. I feel that this topic will help build well-rounded and informed students so that when they get into the real world, they are prepared and familiarized with all aspect of people, their beliefs, why they make certain decisions, and why they should be more tolerant of those around them even if they do not hold the same beliefs. My interest in this topic is personal on an extended family level. My aunt and uncle are strong Christian believers and they sent their son for his whole educational career, college included, to a private Christian school. Comparing my cousin to myself there are some notable differences between students who are immerse in academic religion and students who are not.
Religion, no matter how big or small, does have a great impact on who we are. History is all around us and happens every second of every day. History needs to be told: the exciting, the good, the bad, the messy, and yes even the religious side. That is what makes us who we are and if we deny that part then we have lost something very special and dear to us all….a part of who we are. Not just as individuals but as a school, a community, a state, nation, and one in the world.