The class discussion we had the other day was powerful and belief changing for me. I think it is so important for us as educators to meet opposition with understanding. Whether that is defiant students or oppositional parents. To me handling defiant students with understanding and the desire for communication is obvious, but I had never thought about what that may look like extended to parents with whom I do not agree.
I know in my teaching I will present ideas which some parents may not agree with, and may even confront me for teaching them to their child. Through the class discussion I have come to realize the heavy amount of love that would accompany a parent confronting a teacher about material they present. Through understanding this disagreement is coming from a place of love and wanting the absolute best for the child on both the parents side and the teachers side, I feel more prepared to come to an understanding and not get defensive or angry.