Why Teachers Tend to Lean Left Politically: Understanding the Difference Between True Liberalism and Progressive Education

Introduction

Many educators in today's system are often seen as leaning left politically. This is not because they are inherently liberal, but rather because the success of the long march of the left through American institutions has left few opportunities to hear truly conservative or actually liberal libertarian thoughts. In this article, we will explore why teachers tend to lean left, the distinction between true liberalism and progressivism, and the impact on education.

Why Teachers Tend to Lean Left Politically

The alignment of teachers with the left can be explained by several factors. These individuals are educated, possessing critical thinking skills and an awareness of the conservative agenda aimed at dumbing down and defunding the public school system. Consequently, the prevailing ideology within school environments often reinforces left-leaning perspectives, shaping the minds of both educators and students.

True Liberalism vs Progressive Education

True Liberalism: Traditional liberal education emphasizes self-determination, critical thinking, and the ability to contribute to society. It values student voice and choice, often fostering environments where students can make their own decisions and take responsibility for their learning. This approach is embodied by schools like the one the author describes, where students and teachers have equal voice, and students determine what is to be studied. Such schools are rare, but they provide a valuable model of what true liberalism in education can look like.

Progressive Education: This form of education often aligns with leftist ideologies and focuses on equity, social justice, and community involvement. However, it can sometimes be criticized for prioritizing group identity over individual achievement and for promoting a centrally planned curriculum. In contrast to true liberalism, progressive education can stifle individual freedom and critical thinking.

Key Differences between True Liberalism and Progressive Education

Self-Determination: In true liberalism, students are encouraged to make their own choices and have a voice in determining their learning path. This contrasts sharply with progressive education, which often emphasizes group identity and community goals over individual autonomy.

Ethical Education: True liberalism fosters ethical and moral education, encouraging students to think critically and speak from the heart. Progressive education, however, may focus more on social justice and collective action. This can result in a different approach to ethical and moral development.

Freedom and Responsibility: In liberal education, students are free to construct their days and make choices that align with their interests. Progressive education, while promoting freedom in some aspects, can also instill a greater sense of collective responsibility and participation in community actions. However, the former offers a more profound sense of personal freedom and autonomy.

Personal Accounts and Observations

The author's experience as a parent of three sons provides a poignant example of the impact of different educational approaches. His sons were enrolled in a liberal school where there was no formal discipline, and students determined what to study, how to learn, and even where to spend their time during the day. This environment was both liberating and empowering for the students, leading to high levels of engagement and success in their future academic and professional endeavors.

The success of students in true liberal environments demonstrates the value of fostering an educational system that encourages self-determination and critical thinking, rather than one that prioritizes group identity and centrally planned curricula.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate between true liberalism and progressive education highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of each approach. While progressive education aims to promote social justice and equity, true liberalism offers an environment that fosters individual freedom, critical thinking, and ethical development. The choice of one over the other can significantly impact the quality of education and the overall success of students in both the short and long term.