Educators in Columbia schools say they have made the election, inauguration and invasion of the Capitol into teachable moments for their students.
The political turmoil is a reason civics education in schools is needed, said Joy Bess, district coordinator of social studies and secondary language arts. It s vitally important, Bess said. We have to learn to have conversation where we can disagree with one another. That s really been challenged in this political season. We talk with students about compromise. It s something we model and teach.
The violent invasion of the Capitol was a challenge, especially for elementary teachers, Bess said. In her 24th year as an educator, the event left her speechless.