How would you respond-- "are you an atheist?" from a student

[Anonymous]

I am a middle school teacher. I don't want to give too many details so I'll just say this was not part of the lesson-- a student raised his hand and asked "are you an atheist?" I was surprised, to say the least, as my subject does not involve religion.

I tried to brush it aside and say we are discussing ________ now and the student pressed it again ("but are you?") We finally moved along. I know the student was only asking out of curiosity, and am not upset by him; no behavioral issues there or anything- he wasn't trying to be disruptive,

It turns out religion came up in another class, and another teacher identified me as an atheist (which I am, and I will speak without reservation to that when relevant with adults- but I don't share that with my students for a few reasons). A lot of them are Christian, some Muslim, and I don't think they have been exposed to atheism before. There can also be a lot of stigma against atheists. Last year, in an unrelated assignment, one of the sweetest students I had wrote about how he thought anyone who wasn't Christian should be dead. I know for many of them, religion is important, and I am not ready to be the first atheist they know, or have them question me or my morals/judgment/values for my belief (or lack thereof).

Clearly I am not very happy with the teacher for sharing this information, but I will speak with her about it. But it is also making me question myself and my motives. Should this be hidden from my students? Should I expose them to another way of thinking? How will they perceive me? What would you do?

If you are a parent, what do you think? An atheist parent? Religious parent? I don't know what I should have done- I was taken aback. I know this answer will differ for everyone; I am interesting in thoughts since I don't even know how I feel.

I am thinking about pulling that student aside, outside of class tomorrow, and speaking with him about it. But I am not sure.

[Anonymous]

Are you a public school teacher?

[Anonymous]

As long as you keep your religion of atheism out of the classroom, I don't care.

When you start evangelizing the kids (and yes, atheist do evangelize too) then it becomes a problem.

[Anonymous]

I am an atheist but I do not think it was appropriate for another teacher to say that about your nor do I think your religious views (or lack there of) should be shared.

[Anonymous]

You can say "I feel like religion is personal, and am not going to discuss it with you. But after you've graduated if you'd like to come visit and remember any questions you've had ..."

Or, just give a big talk about tolerance and then explain that you are one.

If you do pull that student aside to speak with him, know it may get out to all the other kids, know that you should not tell him the other teacher shouldn't have spoken about your religion.

I would not care if you told my kid what your religion is, or that you dont subscribe to one.

[Anonymous]

OP here- 22:27, yes I am a public school teacher. Large city but not DC area.

:28, no intent to share religion or evangelize.

[Anonymous]

:29- I agree, and I am really unhappy that was stated. It was in a context of religion though, and I know it was not with bad intent. This is a good friend at school (the fellow teacher). Sometimes people don't see the same boundaries, which is unfortunate.

So now I'm not quite sure what to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote::29- I agree, and I am really unhappy that was stated. It was in a context of religion though, and I know it was not with bad intent. This is a good friend at school (the fellow teacher). Sometimes people don't see the same boundaries, which is unfortunate.

So now I'm not quite sure what to do.

You forget it and move on. Do not say anything to the teacher and just tell the child that you do not discuss religion in school as everyone has different views and it is important for people to value the views they feel are important or the ones shared within their family.

[Anonymous]

Like PP said I would just say that it's a personal question that you don't want to discuss. And I would talk to that other teacher.

And I hope that EVERY teacher keeps their religion (or lack thereof) out of the classroom.

[Anonymous]

22:33, I do think I should say something to the teacher. She should know that's not appropriate to say to 11 year olds, and I don't want her to repeat it to other classes, or in the future.

I'm not really worried about that conversation because we are close and I believe she will understand.

[Anonymous]

"Topics related to religion are not appropriate for the public school classroom".

[Anonymous]

OP here- I'm a little surprised that everyone is saying just blanket no religion in public school.

I am an atheist, and I generally agree, but this was their ELA class talking about culture and traditions, Muslim students sharing, talking about Day of the Dead, etc. So in this case, could only students share and not teachers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I'm a little surprised that everyone is saying just blanket no religion in public school.

I am an atheist, and I generally agree, but this was their ELA class talking about culture and traditions, Muslim students sharing, talking about Day of the Dead, etc. So in this case, could only students share and not teachers?

I'm 22:34 - I think the teacher should keep his/her own personal thoughts on religion out of the classroom. Maybe if asked on the side by a student if the teacher felt comfortable?? And I can see contributing to a cultural event. But in general I don't think discussing personal religious views is appropriate.

Of course, the topic of religions is important, especially in history. Just no personal views. IMHO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I'm a little surprised that everyone is saying just blanket no religion in public school.

I am an atheist, and I generally agree, but this was their ELA class talking about culture and traditions, Muslim students sharing, talking about Day of the Dead, etc. So in this case, could only students share and not teachers?

That is a specific class about culture and traditions. That is not the class you are teaching. The other teacher was not appropriate in sharing but NO, teachers should not share their personal opinions (even if I do agree with them).

[Anonymous]

I am the poster who originally asked whether you work in a public school, and that was more about whether your job would be in jeopardy, as it might be were you a teacher in a religious school.

I don't agree that you should blanket everything with "We can't talk about religion in a public school." But I do think you can blanket everything with, "That is a very personal question, why do you ask?"