This is sort of related to another question - but I am a woman of faith, won't say what faith so we don't get into that discussion! But I do allow my students to know that and to approach me about it. What I'd love to know, from people of a faith and those who do not identify with one, what kind of boundaries you think are appropriate around that. I try to focus on myself if someone asks for advice, but I have had kids ask me to pray with them. Really open to fair perspectives! TIA!

If a student asks me questions about my faith, I will answer frankly, but I do not attempt to prolong the discussion beyond what the student leads. I think if a student asks you to pray with him/her, then it cannot be construed that you are forcing your faith on that student, so it ought to be all right.

(That said, the school I am at has been known to have the football team kneel in prayer before a game, so you know the kind of community I am in.)

I am not a person of faith. I used to be, though. The students will ask, and I'm always honest. Sometimes they want to know why I don't believe and I'll give them a little back story. Otherwise, I generally maintain a neutral but inclusive classroom. My pagan students are decorating for Samhain, and my Mexican American students are going to set up an ofrenda. After Thanksgiving, we'll decorate for Christmas, Solstice,Chanukah, and Kwanzaa. My Muslim students told me there isn't a specific winter holiday they would like included, but during Ramadan, I let them know they can use my room to pray. If a student wants a Christian teacher to talk to, I refer them to the Bible club sponsors across the hall.

It confuses me that teachers think it’s okay to acknowledge your faith w students, discuss your faith w students, and even pray together… but teachers who are trans or queer are being banned from saying anything about themselves and this ban is okay? What’s wrong with is picture? Help me understand

I do not share anything about my belief system with students. If they ask I tell them I'd be happy to share philosophies when they graduate (I teach HS) I live in a conservative Christian community and do not subscribe to any particular religion. On the other side of the desk, my own children have had some very negative, hurtful encounters when they have shared their beliefs with peers and teachers. Subsequently, they keep a distance from teachers and peers who talk about their faith a lot. I want to make sure every student is comfortable with me, so I refrain from talking about my beliefs. Student religion is something to be kept between them and their parents.

My students know my faith because it is apparently by looking at me and if they ask questions I answer honestly.

I went to a church-sponsored university, and I have some alumni/regalia stuff up from it in my room. If a student asks, I will confirm that my religion is the same religion that funds this university. But like others have said, I let the student lead the discussion. If it feels like they’re wanting guidance on religion or wanting to debate religion, I tell them we’re nearing a line I can’t cross but to come find me after they graduate if they’re still interested. If the student wants you to pray with them, I don’t think that would be a problem as it’s student-initiated. But if you’re doing it in front of other students who aren’t participating during school hours on school grounds, then I could see it becoming something of an issue.

I would decline to pray with a student. That is pretty sticky. Parents could say that you indoctrinated their child, and all that.

It might be different in other states, but I think you could really get in trouble for that in New Jersey. Separation of church and state is taken seriously to the point where Halloween isn’t referred to as Halloween in some districts. In Newark, it’s referred to as Harvest. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with telling students what your religion is, but I think praying with students is not only slipping into the gray area of influencing them (remember, as a teacher you are in a position of power and some students might want to follow in your footsteps), it is also slipping into the gray area of being a counselor, which is not your position in the school. I think praying with students is really stepping over a line. Maybe you should start teaching Sunday school or Hebrew school or whatever the equivalent might be for your religion. Then those students might be able to have a separate but more appropriate relationship with you there and you could have that outlet.

I use the word “universe” in student initiated faith type discussions. I believe this word transcends human constructs, language and cultural barriers . It includes scientific language.
Students comprehend: Inclusive!

Whenever a student asks me to pray with them I say something like "I'm so glad that you feel comfortable asking me to pray with you I'd love to pray for you but I'm going to need a few minutes to think about what to say. Can I get back to you later?" This gives me a chance to think about what I'm comfortable with and to make sure that I'm not proselytizing. Hope this helps!

Teachers who openly discuss their political or religious beliefs are in breach of contract. Just a heads up.