How to Prep Your School Community for the Election Aftermath

^{Are You Ready to Support Students and Ensure an Inclusive Environment After Tomorrow's Election?}

With the upcoming election just around the corner, teachers and education leaders face a crucial challenge: How can they foster an environment that remains inclusive, supportive, and conducive to learning, regardless of the outcome? In the past, elections have sparked passionate discussions and, at times, led to tense situations in classrooms such as incidents after the 2016 US Presidential Election.

The current political climate has only amplified these challenges, with increasing polarization in society. As educators, our role is to create a safe, inclusive environment where all students feel respected and heard.  Keep reading to help you prepare for Tuesday's election and the day after with practical solutions, ready-to-use email templates, and other resources to ensure a positive learning environment post-election. We will also examine areas that might be overlooked so you can best support your students during this sensitive time.

The Impact of Election Day on Students

Elections are significant in shaping our society, and since the 2016 presidential election, the level of anxiety and uncertainty has increased notably among students. Conversations at home and in the community about politics can directly impact student behavior, sense of security, and emotional well-being. Educators may find themselves dealing with students' fears, tensions between classmates, and even incidents of bullying based on political beliefs or identities.

The classroom should be a place where differences are respected and students are taught the importance of civil discourse. Regardless of the election outcome, it is essential for educators to foster an inclusive, safe learning environment. Below, we outline some ways you can prepare and help your students navigate this sensitive period.

1. Foster an Inclusive Environment

Creating an inclusive environment begins with setting clear expectations for behavior. It's important to remind students that respect, kindness, and empathy are always essential.

• Set Ground Rules for Discussions: Before election results are in, discuss the importance of listening, disagreeing respectfully, and keeping discussions productive. Create a list of classroom norms like "no interrupting," "assume positive intent," and "focus on ideas, not individuals."

• Acknowledge Different Feelings: Some students may feel anxious or afraid depending on the election outcome. Acknowledge a wide range of emotions, validate those feelings, and let students know that it's okay to feel that way.

• Facilitate Structured Conversations: Set aside time to discuss election results in a structured and guided way. Instead of opening the floor for debate, provide a framework that focuses on the electoral process, respect for others, and understanding differing viewpoints.

2. Tips for Post-Election Classroom Dynamics

Being proactive and prepared will help ensure a smooth transition into the classroom the day after the election. Below are some solutions to consider:

a. Prepare Resources for Students to Express Emotions

• Journaling: Allow students to write their thoughts and feelings privately. This can be helpful for those who feel anxious or unsure how to express themselves.

• Discussion Circles: Create small group discussions for students who wish to share their thoughts, making it clear that participation is optional.

• Mindfulness Activities: Start the day with calming breathing exercises or mindfulness activities to help reduce student anxiety.

b. Remind Students of Community Values

Reinforce values like respect, empathy, and community. Remind students that despite differences in opinion, your classroom remains a place of inclusion and support for all.

• Morning Meeting: Use your morning meeting or first class of the day as an opportunity to affirm these values. Focus on unity, respect, and being supportive of peers regardless of personal beliefs.

c. Role Model Civil Discourse

Demonstrate how to handle disagreement and model respectful discussion. Addressing election results is an opportunity to teach students how to engage civilly, listen actively, and understand other perspectives.

• Provide Sentence Starters: Offer sentence starters that help students express their thoughts respectfully, such as, "I understand your point, but I see it differently because..." or "I respect your opinion, and I would like to add...".

3. Supporting Adults in the School Building

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students also means ensuring that adults in the school are modeling the behaviors we want to see. The way educators and staff interact with one another sets a powerful example for students.

a. Foster Respectful Communication Among Staff

• Staff Meetings: During staff meetings, emphasize the importance of maintaining respectful communication, especially when discussing potentially divisive topics. Encourage everyone to listen actively and avoid interrupting others.

• Modeling Empathy: Remind staff members to approach conversations with empathy, recognizing that everyone may have different perspectives and emotions surrounding the election.

b. Set the Tone for a Supportive Environment

• Positive Reinforcement: Encourage staff to offer positive reinforcement to one another, highlighting efforts to create a welcoming and supportive school environment. When adults show appreciation for each other, it sets a positive tone for students.

• Check-Ins: Suggest that staff members check in with each other, especially those who may be feeling particularly anxious. A supportive community among educators can go a long way in maintaining a positive atmosphere for students.

c. Consistency in Expectations

• Unified Messaging: Ensure that all staff members are on the same page regarding expectations for student behavior. When adults consistently model and reinforce these expectations, students are more likely to understand and follow them.

• Avoiding Negative Talk: Remind staff to avoid negative talk about the election, candidates, or political issues in front of students. Instead, encourage focusing on unity and the importance of respectful discourse.

4. Communicating with Parents

Keeping parents informed is key to ensuring consistency between what students experience at school and what is encouraged at home. Below are a few sample email templates you can use to communicate with parents about maintaining civil discourse and creating a supportive environment.

Email Template 1: Encouraging Respectful Conversations

Subject: Fostering Respectful Conversations Post-Election

Dear Parents,

As you know, tomorrow's election is significant, and we understand that it may spark many emotions and conversations among students. At [School Name], we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or political beliefs.

We will be encouraging students to express themselves respectfully and reminding them of the importance of empathy and understanding in the classroom. We ask that you please support these efforts at home by encouraging your child to be respectful of differing opinions and to practice kindness towards their peers.

Thank you for your support in helping us create a positive learning environment for all students.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Email Template 2: Reinforcing Classroom Values

Subject: Reinforcing Our Classroom Community Values

Dear Parents,

With the upcoming election, we understand that students may have questions, concerns, or feelings about the results. At [School Name], our priority is to ensure that all students feel safe, valued, and heard.

We will be focusing on reinforcing our community values, including respect, empathy, and inclusiveness. We ask that you join us in discussing these values at home and reminding your child of the importance of treating all peers with respect, even when opinions may differ.

Together, we can create an environment where all students feel comfortable and supported.

Thank you for your partnership.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

5. Areas You Might Be Missing

When preparing for post-election classroom dynamics, it's essential to consider all aspects of student well-being and inclusiveness. Here are some areas that may be overlooked but are crucial in maintaining a positive learning environment:

a. Addressing Bullying and Microaggressions

• Proactively Monitor Behavior: The day after an election can bring heightened emotions, leading to potential conflicts. Be proactive in monitoring student interactions, and address any instances of bullying or microaggressions immediately.

• Clear Reporting Channels: Make sure students know the process for reporting bullying and understand that the classroom is a safe space where harmful behavior will not be tolerated.

b. Providing Additional Support for Vulnerable Students

Some students may be more affected by the election results than others, particularly those from marginalized communities.

• Counseling Services: Ensure that students are aware of available counseling resources and let them know they can reach out for additional support if needed.

• Check-Ins: Consider doing one-on-one check-ins with students who seem especially anxious or upset about the election. This can help you better understand their feelings and offer the necessary support.

c. Offering Resources for Learning About the Electoral Process

One way to help students channel their emotions constructively is to help them understand the electoral process itself.

• Educational Videos and Articles: Provide resources that explain how the electoral process works, emphasizing that it is part of the democratic system designed to represent the voice of the people.

• Discuss the Role of Government: Educate students about the different branches of government and the checks and balances in place. This can help students better understand that any one election is just a part of the larger picture.

6. Encouraging Positive Actions

To shift the focus from polarization to positivity, encourage students to engage in actions that promote unity and community well-being.

• Service Projects: Consider organizing a class or school-wide service project to help students see the impact they can make, regardless of political outcomes.

• Random Acts of Kindness: Encourage students to perform random acts of kindness throughout the week. It can be as simple as writing a kind note to a classmate or helping someone in need.

A Commitment to Support and Inclusion

Elections are a powerful reminder of our diversity—diversity in thought, background, and experiences. As educators, it's our responsibility to ensure that our classrooms remain a place where this diversity is celebrated, and all students feel valued and respected. By preparing in advance, fostering open communication, and providing students with the tools they need to navigate their emotions, you can create an environment that remains positive and inclusive after the election.

Use this post as a guide to help ensure your students are supported during this potentially challenging time. Share it with a colleague. 

Remember, the values of respect, empathy, and understanding should always be at the forefront of your classroom, no matter the political climate. Together, let's work towards building a community where every student feels safe, heard, and empowered to learn.