Banned Books PART 2: When Texts and Teachers are Challenged [S3 E67]

Listen to the full episode below:

What do you do when a professional decision you’ve made is challenged?

Today’s episode is the second part to our Banned Books series episodes, so head back and listen to the first one if you haven’t already! The reason we have chosen this topic is because making the decisions on which books you bring into the classroom is not a light one. Even if you decide to use the books that are suggested in the curriculum, these decisions may still end up being challenged.

More than ever before, parents and administrators are welcoming their opinions into the classroom to let teachers know what they think is right or wrong. While it’s completely understandable that questions are asked, it isn’t always done in the most respectful way. As a result, our first reaction is often to feel attacked and get defensive.

Most of us are likely putting much time and effort into our book selections to provide our students with a high quality learning experience. It’s time we equip ourselves with the tools to answer the questions that are inevitably going to be asked. We can all work as a team and help everyone understand the purpose of our decisions. We hope you stand firm in your decisions and connect with us on social media to further the conversation!

Topics Covered:

• The types of challenging teachers are facing today

• How to set yourself up to be prepared when your decisions are questioned

• The misconceptions people make about novels and why

• Specific questions to consider when challenges arise

• Preventative measures related to your book list

Resources and Related Episodes:

• Sign up for the BNT Fall Festival: Teaching Dystopia

• Join Curriculum Rehab

• Problematic Authors

• Episode 66: Banned Books PART 1: Censorship in the Classroom

• Episode 65: The Case for Inquiry

• Episode 61: Living in a Dystopian World

• Episode 41: To Celebrate Diverse Voices: African American Writers

• Episode 33: To Celebrate Diverse Voices: Indigenous Writers

• Let us know what you think! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.