Why Teachers Tend to Lean Liberal and the Global Perspective

Introduction

The assumption that teachers tend to lean liberal is pervasive, but it is often based on a misunderstanding. This article explores the focus on liberal values in educational settings and examines whether this tendency is uniquely American or if it is applicable to educators and schools in other countries. Furthermore, it will provide insights into the stark contrast between liberal and progressive education, with a focus on the schools that epitomize these values.

Defining Liberal and Progressive Education

Liberal Education: Educated individuals with critical thinking skills tend to be deeply aware of the efforts to dumb down and defund public schools. This awareness often leads them to support educational models that prioritize self-determination, group determination, and the ability to contribute to the whole or go one's own way as desired.

Progressive Education: On the other hand, progressive education often emphasizes left-leaning principles and critical theories that may not align with traditional liberal values. The influence of the 'Long March of the Left' through American institutions means that many educators have not encountered authentic conservative thought, leading them to adopt a predominantly progressive stance.

The American Context

Convergence of Progressives and Liberals: In the United States, the term 'liberal' has often been misused to describe those with a progressive mindset. Many teachers today would consider themselves 'progressive,' which might indeed reflect a shift from the traditional liberal position that dominated in the 1960s. In the late 1980s, the authors were fortunate enough to find a school where the value of liberalism was intact, even in the midst of a progressive environment.

Exemplary Liberal School: The school the authors found in the San Francisco Bay Area was a testament to true liberal education. Students and teachers had equal voice, with even the youngest nursery students being listened to with the same seriousness as the school's director. This egalitarian approach to education fostered a sense of respect and self-expression among students, leading to improved communication skills and a higher level of engagement.

Global Comparison

Liberal Values vs. Progressive Education: Many might argue that the liberal education experiences described are unique to the American ethos, but this is not entirely the case. Liberal education is fundamentally about individual freedom, self-determination, and the ability to contribute to the collective. Progressive education, while also promoting critical thinking, tends to prioritize social justice and sustained radical change. This contrast is evident in how these two models approach discipline, academic freedom, and student autonomy.

Impact on Academic Success: The article highlights the positive outcomes of the liberal school system, noting that students achieved high levels of success even without academic screening. This success is often attributed to the holistic education method, which values self-determination and collaborative learning over rigid structures and standardized tests.

Relevance of Liberal Education Abroad: The principles of liberal education, such as self-determination, group determination, and academic freedom, are not confined to American schools. In countries where liberal traditions are deeply rooted, similar educational models can be found. For example, in Scandinavian countries, the emphasis on student-centered learning and free expression is mirrored in the American liberal education model.

Conclusion

The tendency of teachers to lean liberal or progressive is not a global phenomenon but a reflection of the educational systems and societal values within each country. While the term 'liberal' may have been misused in the past, the principles of true liberalism remain valuable and effective in promoting individual freedom, critical thinking, and academic success. Students exposed to these values in their educational environments tend to thrive, regardless of the country they are in, demonstrating the enduring relevance of liberal education in today's world.

For educators and parents seeking to understand the difference between liberal and progressive education, a point-by-point comparison is provided below: