TL;DR:
- Book bans pose challenges for teachers, requiring them to navigate policies and laws while balancing their responsibilities to students.
- Teachers should familiarize themselves with school policies and relevant laws to understand their options and responsibilities when facing a book ban.
- Staying informed about current events and book ban developments, preparing alternative materials, advocating for students, and using book bans as opportunities for discussion can help teachers address book bans effectively while providing a balanced education.
Balancing Book Bans
Book bans are a contentious issue in education. Teachers often find themselves caught in the middle. Knowing how to handle the situation can be difficult when a state or district bans a book. Teachers can learn to balance book bans.
Here are some tips for teachers facing a book ban: know, refresh, prepare, advocate, and encourage!
Tips for Teachers
Know the policies and the law.
First, know the policies and procedures that are in place in your school or district. Realize that federal laws are already in place that have similar prohibitions. Keep a copy of the policy. This will help you understand what your options are and what your responsibilities are.
Remember that you are responsible for providing your students with a balanced education as a teacher. Click To TweetRefresh
Keep up-to-date with current events and news related to book bans. Follow a group like the Center for Public Integrity. This will help you to be prepared for any potential bans that may arise.
Prepare
Plan how you will handle a book ban in your classroom that complies with school policy. Consider having alternative materials ready to use in your classroom or having a plan for how you will address the ban with your students. Learn about alternative books before it becomes an issue. Always follow school district policy to help maintain a positive culture.
Advocate for your students.
Remember that your primary responsibility is to your students. If you believe that a banned book is essential for your students to read, speak up and advocate for them according to District policy.
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Encourage discussion.
Use the book ban to encourage conversation in your classroom. This discussion can help your students to understand the issues at hand and to develop critical thinking skills.
Resources for States with Book Bans
- Florida bill
- Missouri bill
- Tennessee: Age-Appropriate Materials Act requires public schools to “post online a list of the materials in their libraries” for parents to review.
- Texas bill
- Oklahoma bill with a timeline
- Arkansas Act 371
Remember that you are responsible for providing your students with a balanced education as a teacher. Book bans can be frustrating; they can also be an opportunity to teach your students about important issues. These issues help them develop their critical thinking skills. As a teacher, you can grow and learn with alternative books you may love just as much! So many books to choose from!
About Suzanne Rogers
Suzanne M. Rogers is an accomplished, passionate, technology-inspired educator, experienced conference presenter, and yoga enthusiast. She is the Assistant Director of Public Relations at LISA Academy Public Charter Schools. In addition to her 20 years of work in education, Suzanne also serves on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Educator Advisory Board, the UCA Executive Advisory Board, the UCA MAT Program Advisory Board, and the SAU ERZ Advisory.
Suzanne’s passion for education and her community is evident in her involvement in these organizations, where she works tirelessly to support students and educators. As an #ArmyMom and former #AFbrat, Suzanne brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the sacrifices made by military families. Suzanne exemplifies dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence.
