Since Donald Trump was first elected president in 2016, educators across the United States have faced significant challenges. Now, as he enters his second term, they are grappling with the repercussions of his new policies and executive orders. Educators from Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) reflect on how these changes are shaping their classrooms and impacting their students.
Katrina Halsey, now teaching AP U.S. and world history at Riverside University High School, recalls the disquiet among students during Trump's initial election. Many students were from immigrant backgrounds, and the uncertain political climate evoked anxiety. "It was extremely uncomfortable because you couldn't speak your mind. But you still had to make sure to guide your kids so they knew to look forward to what might be coming by reflecting on the past," Halsey shared.
Fast forward to 2025, Trump's presence looms even larger, having signed over 85 executive orders, many targeting education and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. His policy titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” has raised substantial concern among educators. Jay Bullock, the English department chair at Bay View High School, articulates this shift: "It really kind of feels like all of the things perceived as negative by the students have all been turned up to like 11."
These executive actions not only reshape educational curricula but also influence the political consciousness of students. At Riverside, Halsey observes her students becoming more politically proactive than those at Bay View when she first started teaching. "They are organizing to register voters and coming to me to understand how one person can run through executive orders when it should be going through legislative approval," she explained, emphasizing their struggle to comprehend the disconnect between governance and traditional democratic processes.
Dr. James Nelsen, Social Studies Department Chair at Golda Meir’s upper campus, approaches political instruction differently. Rather than framing lessons around party lines, he emphasizes the ideologies at play. "I bring examples from both Republicans and Democrats. I want students to learn from the past to understand the future," Nelsen explained. His approach allows for broader discussions related to current events, helping students categorize political figures based on policies rather than affiliations.
Educators like Bullock use the political questions students pose as teaching moments. "Last week, students asked if Trump really canceled Black History Month. I told them to look it up themselves to understand the truth of the matter — the federal government simply would not be celebrating it this year, but we can still do it here," he remarked. This approach not only fosters students’ research skills but also encourages them to think critically about information they encounter.
The overarching goal for these MPS teachers is clear: to cultivate informed, active participants ready to engage with society beyond their school years. They aim to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the complex political landscapes and voice their opinions sustainably.
There's certainly no denying the apprehension felt by students today, reminiscent of the fears felt during Trump's first term. With rhetoric around immigration and education funding continuing to evolve, educators remain on the front lines, guiding students through difficult conversations and fostering resilience. The challenge is monumental, yet these teachers are committed to ensuring their students emerge informed and ready to contribute positively to society.
There’s hope, too, as Halsey notes the eagerness of her students to engage politically. Despite the uncertainties of today’s political climate, their passion indicates a generation willing to understand the mechanics of governance, and perhaps, to incite change. The resilience of these young minds, coupled with the dedication of their teachers, suggests new possibilities for civic engagement and social responsibility.
Milwaukee’s educators are not just teaching history or political theory; they are shaping future leaders by fostering environments where students can reflect, inquire, and grow. Amidst the noise of political discourse, they stand firm, illuminating paths for the next generation of citizens.
