Teachers' Words Matter: Why Classrooms Need to Be Safe Spaces

A teacher's job isn't just about lessons. It's about creating a safe space for kids to learn. In Springfield, a kindergarten teacher's social media posts have caused a stir. The posts used violent language against immigrants, Muslims, disabled people, and political opponents. This raises a big question: What do kids deserve when they walk into a classroom? Kindergarten is a child's first big step into the world outside their family. It's where they learn if school is a safe place. For 5-year-olds, safety isn't just a policy. It's something they feel in their gut. They pick up on the tone of voice, facial expressions, and even silence. This is why identity-safe schools are important. The idea comes from research by social psychologist Claude Steele. He showed how students struggle to learn when they feel judged by stereotypes. Building on this, educators Dorothy Steele and Becki Cohn-Vargas developed the idea of identity safety. It's about making sure every child feels like they belong. An identity-safe classroom is one where kids don't have to hide who they are. It doesn't matter if it's about race, language, religion, disability, immigration history, family structure, or gender expression. Identity safety isn't about politics. It's about making sure a child's nervous system can relax enough to learn. When a teacher publicly shows hate towards certain groups, it's not about separating personal views from professional duties. Teaching isn't a mechanical task. It's about relationships. Kids, especially young ones, pick up on cues about who is valued and who is not. They learn who is safe long before they learn how to read.This situation calls for Springfield to look beyond just following rules. It's about taking ethical responsibility. Oregon has always prided itself on inclusive education. Districts follow equity policies, anti-discrimination laws, and professional standards. But policies alone don't create safety. Ethical teaching requires more than just technical skill. It requires an awareness of power. For years, educators have focused on culturally responsive teaching. This means recognizing students' cultural backgrounds as strengths. But now, there's a need for something more: ethically responsive teaching. This means educators must examine how their beliefs and assumptions shape the learning environment. It's about preventing harm. Public schools in Springfield serve kids from many different backgrounds. For these kids, school should be a place where they don't have to worry about being seen as a threat. A child who is always on guard can't focus on learning. Identity safety isn't an extra. It's a must for learning to happen. As a community, we should demand that teachers show not just teaching skills, but ethical fitness for the role. This means providing ongoing professional learning and setting clear boundaries against dehumanization. The measure of a school system isn't just how it handles crises. It's how clearly it shows that every child belongs.