How to cope with "self-censorship" in public schools?

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Hello, I work as an English teacher in a Belgrade primary school. I can proudly say that I am one of the most enthusiastic and diligent teachers in my school. The problem that has bothered me for a long time now is- what do you do when your school authorities as well as the majority of your fellow teachers have no vision and don't support you in your enthusiasm, introducing novelties and progressive ideas into the school life, when you start feeling suffocated with general lethargy and even obstruction of your work (for political or whatever reasons) by others...Let me elaborate "political reasons"- in a non-democratic country such as Serbia any kind of criticism of state policy or bad phenomena in society( eg. poverty, violence, pollution...) is considered a threat, therefore critical thinking and engagement of anyone, even primary school students, is unwelcome...It's a kind of self-censorship in educational system..

@EMINA043e019d70
Hello Emina,

The difficulties and challenges you are facing in your current school is an issue that is very common. There is always reluctancy on behalf of a few educators when someone wants to bring novelties in the school for the best interest of pupils. They have been used to the traditional method and to change their mindset of course for the benefit of pupils requires lots of initiatives to be taken by the administrator of the school.

Whenever you come with a vision for the school and you are enthusiastic and diligent to implement a change. Some educators might not favour this decision. It is normal, you have to maintain your philosophy concerning your project. Concerning state policy, it is a big debate. I will advise you to concentrate on your objectives set for your classroom and prepare your students for a demonstration in the morning assembly. For instance, they can talk about the importance of greening education through a poster. The vision you have for your school, try to implement it through your class. As result, they will be motivated as they will see positive changes in the school.

Hello Emina
To cope with self-censorship in public schools, it is crucial to foster a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and respects diverse viewpoints. This can be achieved through professional development for teachers, discussion-based learning methods, and integrating critical thinking into the curriculum. Clear policies on academic freedom, mechanisms for anonymous feedback, and community engagement are essential. Administrative support and conflict resolution training further help maintain a respectful and open atmosphere, allowing students and teachers to express their opinions freely and constructively.
Best Regards from Tunisia
Chokri

@EMINA043e019d70
hi dear,
I could not completely understand your circumstances, but as far as your problem is concern, so I would suggest you kids are non-political character of the society. I recommend you just focus on boosting their critical thinking and leave them free to think about their environment. you could only channelize their thinking route, and if poverty and other issues of society bothers you so you may encourage them to get enough education to change the condition not only for their own but for people around them. We teachers are only the guider to guide them on their right path.

thanks.

@EMINA043e019d70

Hi @EMINA043e019d70
Hope everything is going well,

I understand your frustration with the lack of support and vision from your school authorities and colleagues. It's challenging to remain enthusiastic and innovative when faced with resistance and obstruction. However, focusing on small wins within your classroom, seeking like-minded allies, and engaging with the community can help sustain your passion. I saw myself in your testimony. Try to document your successes and continuing your professional development can also provide the resilience needed to navigate this environment. Your dedication to fostering a progressive educational atmosphere is commendable, and even small changes can make a significant impact over time.

My advice as a SPED Teacher, stay strong and keep inspiring your students with your passion and dedication. We are here to collaborate.

Best,
Mr. Bryan

@Housna
Thank you very much for understanding and encouragement. It's definitely a matter of constant, everyday work, not giving up, believing in higher goals, and above all, loving your job. That's more or less how I see it.

@Bousl2336873cb4
I totally agree, but the biggest problem IS that lack of "administrative support" so everything comes down to individual initiative. That is sometimes tiring but I am not the one who gives up.
Best regards from Serbia

@BRYANb8875625e5
Thank you very much for your encouragement, I really appreciate it. As for the "like-minded allies and engaging with the community", here's a link to a video about a project I've just done with a colleague of mine and our students, that is intended to fight against mental and verbal bullying in our schools. The video is in Serbian, but you can feel the zest and enthusiasm of the project participants, both students and teachers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrR2QmJJssw

@Samreen-Tahir
Thank you for sharing your point of you. I wouldn't say that children should be non-political part of the society. It's true that we are not supposed to talk about politicians and parties at school but children should certainly be allowed to freely express their opinion about the current situation in the country and criticize all bad phenomena in it. They have a right to "raise their voice" against the things that bother them. That's a kind of "politics" I'm talking about. Critical thinking naturally leads to concrete actions.

@EMINA043e019d70
Hello Emina,
You and your colleague did a great job in devising ways to reduce mental and verbal bullying in the school premises. The video showed how pupils are motivated to participate in different activities that prevent the mental and physical bullying. New pedagogical approaches have been implemented. Use of mind maps and charts have been made to show the causes of bullying.

@EMINA043e019d70,
Yes you are right. Kids have no filter and censorship, so i think in your class limits you can allow them to share views.

At first, I was sad about what I read and was thinking of appropriate response (I mean pondering on forum vision and speculationg upon inevitably 'nasty' aspects of human interrelation), later I see this rock of support and subtle understanding of the things by like-minded people. We are here to learn a lesson and teach a lesson. And what matters is the understanding, perception and acceptance and revival. Unpleasant experience is a part of life, mistakes are gifts.

Dear, Emina cheer up and seize the day!

@Bilim
I'm very grateful for all the understanding and support I got here from like-minded people. And as for the "seize the day" philosophy, it's no coincidence that my favourite movie (and inspiration) of all time is "Dead poets society"

@EMINA043e019d70

Hi @EMINA043e019d70
Hope everything is going well.

It's wonderful to read how much support and understanding you've found here and all of us too. "Dead Poets Society" is such a powerful film, it's no surprise it resonates so deeply with you. Keep embracing that inspiration and making the most of every moment here in the Forum. I'm learning from everyone, everyone has always something to share.

Best,
Mr. Bryan

@EMINA043E019D70 This is a challenging situation that many educators face in restrictive environments. Some potential approaches:

1. Focus on developing critical thinking skills through less controversial topics initially. Gradually introduce more complex issues as trust is built.
2. Frame discussions in terms of general concepts rather than specific local examples. Use historical or international case studies to explore ideas indirectly.
3. Cultivate relationships with like-minded colleagues and supportive parents to create a network of allies.
4. Document your teaching methods and positive student outcomes to demonstrate the value of your approach.
5. Explore opportunities for extracurricular activities or clubs where there may be more flexibility.
6. Stay informed on educational policies and look for ways to align progressive methods with official guidelines.
7. Practice self-care and maintain perspective to avoid burnout.
8. Consider connecting with international educator networks for support and ideas.
   The goal is to continue fostering student growth and engagement while carefully navigating systemic constraints. It's a delicate balance, but dedicated teachers can often find creative ways to make a difference.

@Antonia
Thank you for your very thorough consideration of my problem as well as the helpful advice. I really appreciate it

@EMINA043e019d70Dear friend I understand the challenges you are facing as an enthusiastic and progressive teacher in a public school system that seems to discourage critical thinking and the introduction of new, innovative ideas. This "self-censorship" within the educational system due to political or other factors is a complex issue, but here are some suggestions on how you can cope
Build a supportive network:

• Connect with like-minded teachers, either within your school or through online/local professional learning communities. Sharing experiences and strategies can help you feel less isolated.

@EMINA043e019d70Dear friend I understand the challenges you are facing as an enthusiastic and progressive teacher in a public school system that seems to discourage critical thinking and the introduction of new, innovative ideas. This "self-censorship" within the educational system due to political or other factors is a complex issue, but here are some suggestions on how you can cope
Build a supportive network:

• Connect with like-minded teachers, either within your school or through online/local professional learning communities. Sharing experiences and strategies can help you feel less isolated.

@Samar-Mohamed

Hello Samar,

Definitely by creating a supportive network will decrease burn out among teachers. Professional learning communities will enhance the competencies of teachers and fully equip them how to deal with reluctancy of senior teachers.

@EMINA043e019d70 I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. Keep nurturing your passion for teaching and seek support from like-minded educators online. Small changes can still make a big impact on your students. Stay resilient and continue inspiring your students to think critically and creatively.