Four Tips For Public School Teachers On Sharing Faith
Focus on the Family says people of faith are asking if teachers can express their faith in public schools by answering students' questions on Christianity and the Bible.
Candi Cushman from Focus on the Family says they received many questions regarding teachers and their faith during their nationwide religious-freedom event for students, called "Bring Your Bible to School Day" on October 6.
A large deal of confusion looms over whether Christian educators can be open about their personal faith in the public schools.
Cushman writes that the confusion stems from the nation's courts that have often changed opinions on teachers' rights that are different from case to case. She adds that they have not created a clear-cut standard.
She says that although teachers are limited when it comes to faith, students can enjoy powerful projections for their religious-freedom and free-speech rights.
Those who work at schools are much more restricted because they are government employees.
The Alliance Defending Freedom says public school teachers "are both individual citizens and agents of the state," which makes the First Amendment protections unique to their situation.
Cushman lays out four question and answer tips for teachers in her blog:
1. Can teachers respond when a student directly asks them about their faith or spiritual beliefs?
She says yes, but does note that teachers can get into bad situations if they use the questions to begin a "sermon" to the class.
Cushman says it is better for them to keep the answer exact to the question asked.
2. Can teachers pray or do Bible studies with other teachers?
Teachers are allowed to engage in religious-freedom activities with other teachers before and after school, including Bible studies, prayer groups, and other religious events.
The U.S. Department of Education confirms that in a memorandum, stating: "Before school or during lunch, for example, teachers may meet with other teachers for prayer or Bible study to the same extent that they may engage in other conversation or nonreligious activities."
3. Can teachers give factual explanations of Christianity and/or the Bible in their classrooms?
Yes, they are allowed to give classroom instruction on Christianity and the Bible in a way that meets state and academic standards as well as related curriculum requirements.
However, teachers must address the topics objectively and for an educational manner - the discussion must be academic, not devotional.
4. Can teachers put their personal Bibles on their desks?
The Alliance Defending Freedom states, "There's no legitimate basis for public schools to prohibit employees from having Bibles at their desks for their own personal use."
When it comes to displaying a Bible on a desk, it's vital for teachers to follow the school administration's policy. According to Cushman, it's absolutely crucial to seek the advice of competent legal counsel beforehand.
5. What if a teacher wants to support students who are engaging in religious-freedom activities or event?
Cushing says, "I want to encourage Christian educators in public schools: You are likely having far more of an impact than you realize."
She added,
"By simply modeling the love of Jesus to a child whose self-esteem has hit rock bottom or by exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit consistently through your personal actions in the classroom, you also are letting 'your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven,'" ( ).
