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Where religion meets curriculum, science teachers tread lightly
March 31, 2005 From left, North Collins teachers Lisa Brosnick and Julie Palmer. Charles Darwin is facing off with Adam and Eve in the political culture wars, leaving science teachers vulnerable and relying on their professionalism to guide them. Just ask North Collins high school science teachers Lisa Brosnick and Julie Palmer in rural Erie County . Two years ago, they were targeted by a local parent who, as a clergyman, sermonized about the teachers' evolutionary teachings during Sunday services and bought a half-page ad in the local newspaper questioning their morality. "He asked us not to teach evolution so as not to confuse the youth of the community," said Palmer. Since the pair's curriculum mirrored New York state standards, both the school board and principal backed them. But local opposition to evolutionary teachings still rears its head during the unit. "We'll get books on creationism left in our mailboxes or on our desks," or kids will draw religious symbols on their papers, said Brosnick, secretary of the North Collins Teachers Association. "Teachers need to know their rights and teach evolution like any other topic in their unit. If you're squeamish, you'll make it into an issue." The pair were interviewed in a feature on NBC News, which aired Feb. 18, about creationism and evolution. "The interview might stir up the pot," said Brosnick. "I wouldn't be surprised if we get more vocal opposition in the community." Brosnick is one of a group of biology mentors working with the State Education Department to develop teacher workshops statewide. She believes she was referred to NBC through the National Center for Science Education; she recently contacted the NCSE seeking a guest speaker for a March evolution workshop. "Perhaps the network also reached out to us because we're in New York state," she continued. "We have state-mandated tests and standards, but still even we have problems with this issue." — Kara E. Smith |
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