It’s being called one of the most shocking political upsets in the nation’s history—a shock that is being felt by both America’s teachers and students.

In the days following the announcement that Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States, schools across the country are making headlines for both staff and student reactions.

First, there is the viral video of Michigan middle school students chanting “build that wall!” during their lunch period:

In California, the Los Angeles Times has been reporting on several incidences against both anti-Trump students and those who support Trump. Incidences have included teachers and administration, as well.

One high school principal has been put on leave after making inflammatory anti-Trump comments. After learning about a walk-out protest his students were staging, he encouraged students to congregate at the school’s football field to share their concerns, where he guided discussion and ultimately made profane remarks that were recorded and shared on social media.

The 74 believes U.S. schools are in the middle of a bullying crisis, a crisis caused by the tough rhetoric discussed throughout this election season. It has talked to numerous experts who are encouraging a united front from school administration to make sure students feel safe and included.

“We have to have supportive care for conflicts and hate through wraparound services and restorative justice, and we have to worry about the spillover effect,” said LA School Board president Steve Zimmer to The 74.

For teachers and administrators who want to implement effective strategies to encourage empathy and compassion in schools regardless of the challenging political climate, Education World has you covered. Check out these resources for promoting empathy, encouraging compassion, emphasizing mindfulness and teaching students how to critically think:

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• Compassion and Empathy: School Climate Essentials
• Ways to Teach Empathy Skills
• App Teaches Learners the Important Skill of Empathy 
• How Mindfulness Can Help Educators and Students 
• Free Literacy Activity Helps Students Critically Think About Current Events

• U.S. Social Studies Professionals, Secretary of Education Talk Best Practices in Twitter Chat

Nicole Gorman, Senior Education World Contributor 

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