Without Personal Connections, Facts and Reasons Seldom Matter

If you are familiar with my podcast, you know my aim is to have better and less antagonistic conversations about controversial issues affecting our schools. The first question I ask my guests – people with divergent experiences and perspectives – is always a personal one. Like the one I used in my most recent episode on homeschooling: What teacher significantly impacted your life?*

Heidi Sampson, a Republican legislator from Maine and veteran homeschooler, spoke about her high school biology teacher who “found the flicker, fanned the flame” and enabled her to pursue her dream -- to become a scientist.

Samantha Field, who was homeschooled herself, recalled her piano teacher, who “was such a strong advocate when I didn’t have anyone else in my life advocating for me.”

As I watched and listened to my other two guests share their teacher stories (we’re on Zoom, so we can see each other), I noticed all of them had been smiling. No doubt because they were sharing fond, personal memories. This small group of strangers quickly learned something about each other – something intimate and moving.

These exchanges, brief as they are, change everything.