The Challenges of Political Instruction in a Post-9/11 United States

In the decade since the attacks of September 11^th, the political climate in the United States has become increasingly intolerant of opposing viewpoints. This climate, made nearly ubiquitous by 24-hour news cycles and increased exposure to political media, poses quite a challenge to teachers wishing to broach political topics as part of their curriculum. This article highlights a few of the issues secondary educators will face when engaging in political instruction and offers practical, research-based solutions to these issues.