Have you ever been in a class where topics such as economy, politics, or religion were being discussed? Chances are, through an English or history or Civics course, the answer is yes. However, to me, there seems to be something lacking in such discussion on current problems in the world: teacher’s opinions.

I don’t advocate for a teacher putting in any amount of bias in their lessons to their classes; not only does it make the teacher an opinion generator versus an unbiased, factual instructor, but it may also lead the students to change their opinions to fit the teacher’s, losing the point of an education such as ours: to make decisions by ourselves depending on our beliefs, those of which we have discovered through facts presented and the intuition with which we were each uniquely born. However, I do believe that if a teacher’s opinion on a subject is relevant to the topic at hand, and especially if any of the students are interested in hearing their thoughts, there should be no reason to hold back sharing what they, as the teachers, think on the subject being discussed.

This concept can benefit the students in more ways than it can harm them. Discussing large, important topics can help bridge a certain generational gap between student and teacher (that usually being between twenty to thirty years), and encourage the student to be more adaptable to people with different opinions that have been shaped by their life experiences for a certain number of years more than the student’s. This opens up the platform for discussion significantly, and keeps some room open to consider others’ thoughts. Also, having an open dialogue between teachers and students with both of their opinions being utilized can help the student become more comfortable talking to people older than them without themselves feeling obsolete or inferior to whoever they’re talking to. It is not just one generation living on Earth at one time; there are multiple generations that we all have to interact with. Having a disconnect and lack of communication, understanding, or relatability with each other has the potential to make anybody, student or nonstudent, shy away from sharing their opinions. However, a teacher sharing his thoughts can change the game, allowing an evolving conversation in the classroom, involving everyone.

I’m not saying that a teacher should draw up a sheet of paper full of his opinions regarding Donald Trump, Senator John McCain, or the Dalai Lama, and give it out to the class on the first day of school. Nor am I saying that teachers should throw their personal lives in the open for students to oggle at; everyone deserves privacy and the option to keep their thoughts to themselves. However, I am saying that if a teacher’s opinion is relevant and is something that interests the student, and they are comfortable sharing it, it shouldn’t be held back by an unspoken rule to keep teacher’s opinions at bay in the classroom.

Jamie Bogue, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Jamie Bogue is the Editor-in-Chief for the 2014-2015 Colonel. She is a drum major for marching band, sings in Ledyard Carolers, and is attending Liberty University in the fall.