The correct response is “I am here to teach Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic- not religion- go discuss that with your parents”
I would say, “Yes, I do”. Now, can you write that in cursive?
Zarathustrian. They won’t believe you, but maybe they’ll learn a thing or two looking it up ;-)
How about this question from the young ‘uns:
“Teacher, if my mother wanted to kill me before I came to term, would you have fought tooth and nail to allow her to do that to me, or would you have fought for my right to live?”
"Congress shall pass no law" -- Says nothing about congress, teachers or anyone one else "promoting" religion.
“Of course”.
None of the kids’ business what the teacher’s personal life is.
I teach in public schools and I tell them I’m a servant of Jesus Christ.
The right response is the truth.
The correct response is "Yes."
Not a challenge for me. If a student asks me that question I give them my answer. If the follow up with more, as they invariably do, I answer those, as well.
The response is to answer the question yes or no, but tell the child that it’s a personal thing and he shouldn’t let the teacher’s view substitute for his own. This is a big question and everyone needs to explore it for him/herself.
If the child asks for reasons why you do or don’t, then give him the reasons. Otherwise, leave it there.
“What a wonderful, insightful question, Janey. I consider my religion a very private, intimate matter that brings me great joy and comfort. With you parents’ permission and outside this classroom, I would be happy to discuss my beliefs with you. However, now it’s time to get back to fractions ...”
The truth is always the right response.
The 1st amendment keeps government out of religion; it does not keep religion out of government.
The government unconstitutionally took control of public schools leaving many young people and teachers confused.
Matthew 10:31-33