Teacher's views on evolition/religion

[recently]

Would this bother you? DS's (14) art teacher frequently talks about her views on art, life, everything including that the theory of evolution is wrong as God created man in his image, the Earth is a perfect sphere which proves this (he said it isn't). I wish she would stick to art! Would this bother you?

It would because she is wrong. The science teachers in the same school will be actually teaching the theory of evolution. I would expect teachers to support other teachers.

Surely it's fine as long as it's clear it's her belief and she's not trying to convert the kids.

Yes. This is just plain wrong .

There seems now to be this “thing” where beliefs are deemed as valid as scientific facts. Scary that teachers are allowed to promote these.

I’m sorry, your belief is not as valid as my scientifically demonstrated fact. Unless, of course, you can disprove my facts.

It's fine to say "I believe xyz"

Not fine to say "Only xyz is true"

She should not be sharing her beliefs. Teachers of subjects such as RE should also not share their own beliefs. The “personal” should be removed. Stating “some people believe... / others believe....” is neutral. But to be honest Art teachers (like others) should be focused on their own subject matter.

What if the kids ask what you think?

I think there is value in children being shown and meeting people with different views, but it should be clear they are opinions. I actually think part of art is being exposed to and able to imagine other perspectives, so I can see why she might be inclined to talk about such things...

Art is about expressing and exploring ideas. If this were valid in any subject area, Art would be it.

well - art will cover a lot of things so she's not wrong to discuss other things.

As long she she's presenting this as her mad opinion and she's a good teacher otherwise I would leave it.

I mean, if she gives him/ the class the opportunity to refute her ideas, then I think that's ok. People believe all sorts of crazy things - best to learn that evidence won't shift their opinions while you are young and there's no real-life fall out.

I’m an RE teacher and I would never share my beliefs on specific issues. The only thing I would share is that I’m an agnostic.

I can see how such discussions come up in art.

Thanks for your views. The thing is she doesn't present it as her opinion but as fact. She told my son he was wrong to believe in evolution. No discussion allowed. To be honest, this is one in a long line of questionable incidents from said teacher including some dubious use of social media but parents' opinions seem irrelevant to her.

well - speak to Head of Department?

She told my son he was wrong to believe in evolution.

And now your son will know she is not always right. Good lesson to learn that, adults can be wrong too.