Ignorance is not Jeff Bliss

By Adam Gerstenfeld on May 13, 2013

Jeff Bliss takes a stand – literally – to protest his teacher’s apathy

I loved most of my school teachers. My civics teacher in 8th grade used to let me read from her personal library. In 11th grade, my English teacher’s idea of a final was watching Finding Nemo. I even had a 6th grade physical sciences teacher that taught us kinetic and potential energy by spending a day at an amusement park.

So it’s always interesting to me when I hear about teachers that haven’t done their job well — especially when it makes national news. And that’s probably an understatement for Jeff Bliss, who called out his history teacher this week for not “touching the hearts” of her students.

Comments below the viral video were full of accolades for Bliss, and his ability to eloquently speak out for what he believed in. Even the title of the video, “…a high school student gives his teacher a lesson” sheds subtle praise. One top commentator acclaimed, “This is? honestly a great video. This kid is awesome for standing up for his rights and telling the teacher the she sucks!”

There’s a few things happening in this video and comments section that I really want to talk about.

First, I’m not exactly sure what “rights” were under fire, as Bliss’ big contention with the teaching model is that they weren’t being given enough face-to-face interaction, not that they were prohibited from speaking in class or some other injunction. And I’m not really in favor of giving anyone praise for just saying someone sucks. Which tells me that some of the viewers are missing the point of Bliss’ speech. It’s not the fact that Bliss doesn’t like how his teacher gives lessons that’s what’s important. I think what was really crucial about this little stand was that it opened the floodgates for a discussion on our education system.

The second point I want to address is the teacher herself. I love the 2nd Amendment as much as any other 21st century kid, but…isn’t there a more appropriate place to bring up these concerns? And I’m also left wondering if this teacher is really as awful as she’s being portrayed. We’re getting one very impassioned side of the story, and I want to know what this teacher thinks of how her teaching style is being examined. And while Bliss’ impromptu plea is being commended by his cohorts, I also want to give some credit to the teacher who never once lost her cool in his fiery tirade.

And she could have. She followed the right protocol in this situation, firmly asking him to leave when he makes a brazen dash to the front of the room. Quite honestly, I’m just as impressed by her handling of the situation as Bliss’ authentic overture for change.

I really want to see where this story goes, and what the fallout will be for Bliss, the teacher, and the school. Until then, keep calm and blog on!

And don’t forget to comment below on the story!

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