The recent stretch of the presidential race has felt like an eternity, and with a long road ahead, voters face a choice between two parties that have abandoned fiscal responsibility. They fluctuate between being naive and cavalier about the threats from China, Russia, and Iran and show little regard for constitutional norms in elections, independent judiciaries, or the rule of law. Donald Trump’s tendencies toward pathology and Kamala Harris’s perceived lack of principles contribute to their inconsistent and often incoherent narratives. The electorate prefers when the candidates are out of the spotlight or strictly following scripted speeches.

While this is a broad concern, the focus shifts to how educators are encouraging students to view the election as a grand battle between good and evil. Some educators openly advocate using classrooms as platforms for personal ideological and political agendas.

Should educators completely avoid discussing the election? Certainly not. Is there a bipartisan way to engage with these issues that promotes exploration rather than persuasion? Absolutely. However, the prevalent call is for educators to take a clear stance and act as political players rather than fostering critical thinking. Teacher unions, academic associations, and teacher surveys highlight the trend of intertwining pedagogy with politics, which is detrimental to students and exacerbates societal divisions.

There is a more responsible approach for educators to address the intricacies of the election, as demonstrated in Joe Klein’s Primary Colors, which delves deep into the complex dynamics of democratic politics.

If educators choose to delve into political discussions, they should emphasize the nuanced and sometimes disconcerting realities of leadership and democracy, rather than resorting to simplistic hero-villain narratives.

Creating awareness about the intricacies of political issues can foster reflective thinking and encourage students to question rather than quickly choose a side. By highlighting the complexities and uncertainties in political motives, educators can facilitate honest conversations and find common ground among students.

Freddy Picker’s speech in Primary Colors serves as an exemplary message for educators, urging for calm reflection and meaningful dialogue in a time of heightened political fervor.

Frederick Hess is an executive editor of Education Next and the author of the blog “Old School with Rick Hess.”