As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality. We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in community with the human race. George Washington
interesting quote from a founding father in light of current times, statements from politicians and media about founding fathers’ intentions. Justice and Liberality. Indeed.
This is why primary documents are important for our students to see and discuss. So we cannot be fooled. Where do they get that but in Social Studies?
In the University of Colorado Denver Community Urban Education Teacher program, we seem to have more teacher candidates wanting to teach Social Studies than any other content even though the job market for Social Studies teachers is probably worse than English, Math or Science. Even the arts, once ignored, are now part of a focus since STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) turned into STEAM.
Prospective teachers tell me this is where their interest and passion abides—in helping kids think, analyze and interpret historical and current events, how the law and government work, how to discern truth from propaganda, identify effective actions as a citizen of a democracy, They are willing to take the chance that finding a job may take a little time if in the end they can offer something important to our lives.
If we as a people do not get introduced to primary sources with a chance to think about their meaning for our lives today, we can be fooled….over and over.
And so here is a song.