Modern day political structures in America have led to changes in teaching. As a result, some people have expectations about what they will discuss at school, however sometimes these expectations of comfortable topics are met with controversial and difficult topics.
Teachers must be able to approach these topics in a way that creates a safe and comfortable environment for all students, so how do they go about that.
AGHS AP Literature and Advanced English 9 teacher Christian Holst is well acquainted with controversial topics in the classroom.
“Literature is so ripe with so many different elements and oftentimes better literature addresses things that may be controversial,” Holst said.
Holst attempts to select books to teach in his class that encourage self reflection and whole class discussions. He aims for students to challenge their internal beliefs.
“Harry Potter is fun, I can enjoy reading it, but is it complex? Is it going to make me feel something? Am I going to have to wrestle with this issue or do I just want to be entertained?” Holst said.
After teaching AP Lit for four years, Holst developed unique teaching methods that lead to growth and development in the classroom.
“I try to take a position that is neutral,” Holst said. “[Students] should have no concern of favoritism on one side or the other.”
This approach is greatly effective in connecting with his students. As a result, more students feel comfortable to approach uncomfortable topics and speak openly in his class.
Rowan Barber (‘26) thinks English classes can often present topics that could be considered uniquely challenging for individuals. Despite these challenges, he has never had issues with any classes.
“The combination of Mr. Holst, Mrs. Derbidge, and Mr. Callaghan have navigated [difficult] topics well throughout my career in the English department,” Barber said.
Barber approaches difficult topics in his classes in a way that works for him.
“A topic students want to discuss in the classroom should be encouraged,” Barber said. “If [teachers] assign a book with heavier topics, students will want to talk about it.”
Despite the difficulties that many people may face when trying to discuss serious topics, teachers like Holst have fostered healthy environments where students feel safe to discuss all major topics.In these settings, classrooms feel more complete, unified, and students achieve a developed education on complex topics.
