My children went through 12 years of Catholic school. I was often dismayed at some of the liberal nonsense that they were spoon fed. However, one of my children attended public high school for 1 semester and I couldn’t believe the overall difference in attitude, discipline and quality of education. My overall experience was very positive with the Catholic schools but keep a watchful eye and make sure you educate at home. Don’t forget, all teachers are coming out of education schools that are extremely liberal.
I agree with NoExpectations.
I would always want to approach someone I disagree with in a respectful manner. That does not mean cave into them or even “agree to disagree” whatever that means. Instead, I would simply ask the question “save the planet from what?”
I would use what I call “the Columbo” approach. Always defer to the person whom you wish to politely debate. You can say things like “I know you are the teacher and you must have much more experience with this sort of thing than I do. Perhaps you could help me understand what you mean by this and what sort of curiculum materials you plan to use.” After all, giver him/her the benefit of the doubt.
Also, I always maintain that I am open to learning new truths, especially scientific ones. So, if someone can prove to me that any of the following fads are based in real science and the scientific method, or real logic with empirical support, I am more than willing to defer and adopt those views, since they would then be correct: evolution, global warming, multiculturalism, diversity for its own sake, socialism, communism, election by popular vote vs. electoral college, progressive tax is superior and fairer than flat tax, high taxes bring in more loot than low taxes, big government can be trusted, Saddam Hussein should still be in power, there have been no nuclear wars and we did not win it :), atheism, budhism, taoism, confucianism, paganism, etc., social security system will work like we want it to for many years to come, medicaire will also work out, biofuels are more efficient than oil, recycling actually recycles (as opposed to using one more time, maybe) instead of creating neatly sorted trash piles, and so on...