Resources for Teaching During an Election

As we have recently experienced, our students, classrooms, and curricula are deeply interconnected with broader social events and circumstances. Although much of our energy and attention is focused on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene right now, U.S. elections take place in a matter of a few short weeks. Even if your specific content is not directly aligned with current U.S. election issues, there are numerous opportunities to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and a sense of civic responsibility as national elections near. As Furman’s On Discourse initiative reminds us, by encouraging open dialogue, empathy, and active engagement, we can help our students become informed and engaged citizens who contribute positively to their communities. As U.S. elections approach, you might find our  teaching tips for teaching during an election helpful. These include resources to facilitate difficult dialogue and respectful disagreement; discussions about freedom of expression and the first amendment; and activities to enhance media and information literacy, civic engagement, and reflective practice. Click on the “teaching during an election tab” for more.