Teacher Fired for telling kids Santa isn't real

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

In Oldham, UK, a teacher was fired for telling her third-grade students that Santa does not exist.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1084700_teachers_santa_blunder_ban

Of course this leads to the subject of Santa.

a) what do you think about the teacher's firing?
b) Will you have children believe in Santa?

Personally, I will not lead my children to believe in Santa. To me, Christmas is a time of personal giving to your family, and a time for your children to learn the importance of togetherness. Not lying to my kids.

[back_blows]

It wasn't really her place to tell kids Santa doesn't exist, but I don't think it warrants her dismissal.

[Sgt Pepper]

You mean...

...he isn't? :eek:

[Aragha]

It wasn't really her place to tell kids Santa doesn't exist, but I don't think it warrants her dismissal.

This.

^ That! :eek:

[Fizzeler]

That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard I smell a lawsuit coming

[Fizzeler]

Luckily I am Jewish

[Jixzer]

I've always thought teaching kids about Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, etc is the same as lying to them. I'm all for imagination and pretending during play, but passing anything off as real that isn't is lying. Telling kids that there is this all seeing being that always watching you and won't give you gifts if your bad....wait...that sounds mighty familiar...

[kiggidykev]

I'm not a teacher in the UK so I'm not sure if their educational system is as anal as the headline would have us believe. In the educational profession, it takes a little more than a slip like that to warrant an outright dismissal. There's likely more to this story than the headline would have you believe.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

I'm not a teacher in the UK so I'm not sure if their educational system is as anal as the headline would have us believe. In the educational profession, it takes a little more than a slip like that to warrant an outright dismissal. There's likely more to this story than the headline would have you believe.

Did you even read the story? There is no way it can be more anal than America's, where even if you give an opinion you'll be lambasted by parents.

[jayou521]

It's not for the teacher to decide. Personally, I am shocked. These kids have believed in Santa all their lives and they hear their teacher of all people telling them he's not? They're only 7 years old~ you just don't do that.

[instantdeath999]

There should be a "I don't plan to have children" option.

As for the actual article... I'm not sure what to say.

[DethBoxx]

Hopefully the teacher will sue and receive a lot of money.

[MrGlass214]

So the teacher is a realist. Because of that, she should've been promoted.

[Aragha]

I'd think a "supply teacher" would be a substitute... If I'm right, then what's the big deal? It's not like she actually lost her job.

[Fatal_T]

The teacher shouldn't have been fired.

But I believe it's best to let kids figure out on their own that Santa is not a real person. I remember I was about 8 when it first came to me - like a light bulb turning on. I remember saying "I know who Santa is!" and having my mother tell me to hush, pointing at my little sister.

If you think telling kids about Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, etc. is lying - fine, they're your kids, raise 'em the way you see fit.

Myself, I prefer to still believe in Santa, even though I'm 37. No, I don't actually think that some jolly fat man is going around the world on Christmas Eve delivering presents - hell, two tours in Iraq with no presents from Santa taught me that! But it's still fun to think that there might be. It must be the kid in me that never grew up. Plus, belief in Santa brings two things:

1) The excitement on my little girl's face when she talks about Santa or writing a letter to Santa, etc - is priceless. I will not rob her of that joy. She'll grow up one day, whether I like it or not, and she'll learn.

2) Santa provides an excellent behavior modification tool - if the little one is acting up or out, all it takes is a reminder that Santa is watching! The bad kids get black marks, the good kids get red marks - if you have more black than red at Christmas Eve...it's nothing but coal for you, buddy! :D (or so my mother told me) I know few children willing to risk coal in the stocking.

But that's just me.

[Metal_Man]

Luckily I am Jewish

same and to think what some of these people go though just for some ****ing holiday (no offense to those who celebrate it)

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

I think it is all part of the secularization of Christmas. People are forgetting what it's really about (and Jesus was born in spring. But it's tradition)

[Metal_Man]

I think it is all part of the secularization of Christmas. People are forgetting what it's really about (and Jesus was born in spring. But it's tradition)

yes but the "tradition" is dead now as we walk by there are Christmas sails everywhere and Christmas has now been turned into some kind of greedy cooperation day where everybody is brain washed into buying there product personally I'm jewish so i don't know much but from what i know Christmas is Dead for no more will it be about jesus being born but a day where a bunch of idiots killing and shooting and raping each other for a Barbie House or some **** like that personally i'd change the tradition if i where you guys (no offense but this is how i feel)


EDIT: aw crap sometimes i just want to kick some people in the balls but hey it's better than gamefaqs

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

yes but the "tradition" is dead now as we walk by there are Christmas sails everywhere and Christmas has now been turned into some kind of greedy cooperation day where everybody is brain washed into buying there product personally I'm jewish so i don't know much but from what i know Christmas is Dead for no more will it be about jesus being born but a day where a bunch of idiots killing and shooting and raping each other for a Barbie House or some **** like that personally i'd change the tradition if i where you guys (no offense but this is how i feel)


EDIT: aw crap sometimes i just want to kick some people in the balls but hey it's better than gamefaqs
It's not a Christian holiday anymore. Nothing can and nothing will change.

It's been the time of money-spending for decades. Where have you been?

[Metal_Man]

It's not a Christian holiday anymore. Nothing can and nothing will change.

It's been the time of money-spending for decades. Where have you been?

but obama said

[xxUNDERTOKERxx]

It wasn't really her place to tell kids Santa doesn't exist, but I don't think it warrants her dismissal.

I disagree. It's a teacher's job to teach children facts, and the fact is, there is no Santa.

[kiggidykev]

Did you even read the story? There is no way it can be more anal than America's, where even if you give an opinion you'll be lambasted by parents.

Brother, if you want stories about anal school divisions and the silly decisions they make, I could talk for hours :)

[Metal_Man]

I disagree. It's a teacher's job to teach children facts, and the fact is, there is no Change.

Curse you Mccain you lost get over it. I like the idea of the change of putting my money in obama's pocket.

[hawkofva]

I think it is all part of the secularization of Christmas. People are forgetting what it's really about (and Jesus was born in spring. But it's tradition)

But the Roman Emperor Constantine decided it would be easier to celebrate it on the same day as the birthday of the sun god Sol Invictus. Made it a little easier to convert. (This was among the things decided at the Council of Nicea.) That doesn't make it any less a celebration of the birth of the Christian Messiah, and still very much a Christian Holiday.

Santa Claus however, is believed to originate in the media.

[JohnTheDrummer]

That's kind of messed up because that is the whole fun of being young around Christmas time. I don't think she should have been fired because of it, but that was not her place to be.

And of course I will, I remember being young and wondering when Santa will come! I am doing that with my little brother right now.

[CheezerRox]

Definately shouldn't have been fired. My Geography teacher, tells little kids, and my class (which is kinda unnecessary) that there's no Santa and he's been here for YEARS.

[Goatbuster]

Luckily I am Jewish

Lol, I'm sorry but that just struck me in such a way. I didn't mean to offend you or anyone else.

10char

[instantdeath999]

Santa has always just seemed a less extreme and more accessible version of Jesus to me, so I don't really see anything wrong with telling kids he exists. Besides, the story of Santa is honestly less extreme than the stories of many major religions...

[OakTea]

I'm going to teach my kids about Santa the way I'll teach them about the various religions and mythologies that they may come into contact with, whenever the time is right.

"Well, some people believe that on Christmas Eve, a man named Santa Claus delivers presents by going through chimneys ..."

I'd totally dress up as Santa for my kids though.
Maybe it'd help their learning of mythologies for school or whatever if I dressed up as Zeus, or Jesus, or umm.. The Roman God of Gods. I forget his name. Jove? Jupiter, I think. Yes!

No.

I'd dress up as Santa Claus when doing my duties, and if questioned, I would tell them that that was part of the tradition and belief. And then make up something about Santa representing human kindness and sharing, and because of that, Santa exists inside all of us. I was just acting out on my inner Santa, and giving presents to my kids. Except, I couldn't find any reindeer or magic chimney powder. That's why Secret Santa games exist, because people share their inner Santas.

Think any kid growing up would buy any of that? :D Hopefully my kids will be too occupied by whatever is under the tree to care. ;)

[Goatbuster]

I'd dress up as Santa Claus when doing my duties, and if questioned, I would tell them that that was part of the tradition and belief. And then make up something about Santa representing human kindness and sharing, and because of that, Santa exists inside all of us. I was just acting out on my inner Santa, and giving presents to my kids. Except, I couldn't find any reindeer or magic chimney powder. That's why Secret Santa games exist, because people share their inner Santas.


That's an excellent idea!

[onduvalst]

But the Roman Emperor Constantine decided it would be easier to celebrate it on the same day as the birthday of the sun god Sol Invictus. Made it a little easier to convert. (This was among the things decided at the Council of Nicea.) That doesn't make it any less a celebration of the birth of the Christian Messiah, and still very much a Christian Holiday.

Santa Claus however, is believed to originate in the media.

Boy do I have a book for you http://www.paganchristianity.org/
Great book detailing Emp. Costantines setup of modern church practices.

[Mex]

It wasn't really her place to tell kids Santa doesn't exist, but I don't think it warrants her dismissal.

Actually I'd argue that it IS her place. I would expect a teacher to teach my children what is true. Don't lie to my kids please. If anyone wants to shelter their children from the realities they might learn outside of the home, by all means homeschool your kids.

We need more teachers, we shouldn't be firing them for something so stupid.

[Bobman32x]

boy do I feel like Im asking for a **** storm when I say that I think it was right for her to be fired. while I think it may be a bit extreme, but then I think what would the parents to the 25-35 kids in that class who come home in tears to find out theres no santa. I mean its heartbreaking for a kid to find out like that.

though I will agree that the mroe i type and think about it, amybe a firing was a bit harsh, but still. someone has to defend

[DethBoxx]

It's ridiculous that someone should lose their livelihood over something so trivial.

If it was even a wrong thing to do, a reprimand would have sufficed.

This should be obvious.

[BuRn7 CaK3]

I don't see why not. It makes it fun for kids ya know. I was told at about 10 that santa wasn't real. Well i kinda figured it out on my own when one of the writings looked like my brother's writing, and another looked like my sisters.

But still, it puts passion into Christmas.

[rgdrafting]

I'm pretty sure that nowhere in the school's curriculum does it say, "Propogate the myth of Santa Claus'....but I'm also pretty sure it doesn't say, "Expose the lie that is Santa Claus" either.

Point is: There's no reason for a teacher to be discussing Santa Claus (or Christ, or Allah, or Buddha, etc.) with students....regardless of whether they're advocating or denouncing them. (unless, of course, it is a parochial school)

That doesn't mean that a teacher should 'lie' to a student if the student asks him/her about Santa. All the teacher needs to say is, "That's a question you should probably ask your {parental figure}."

Problem solved.

[RockBandRocker]

Believing in Santa Claus is what keeps kids innocent until that age when they realize that the world is a horrible place and they become a**hole adults!!!

[rowtheboat]

i voted no maybe they'll be smarter!!!! MY CHILDREN SHALT CARY ON MY BURDEN!!!!

[Flawless]

It's stupid she/he got fired. Slap on the wrist, continue on.

The real alarm bells here are all the people in this thread that are going to make their children act and be like adults straight out of the womb.

... what a society we're going to have down the road, jesus.


Also, the education of religions is something that should be in schools all of them from a biased angle at a young-ish age, like grade 4-5. It's seriously no wonder all the mystery and scared behaviour people show for Muslims and the likes - people aren't educated.

[mlothar16]

I'm pretty sure that nowhere in the school's curriculum does it say, "Propogate the myth of Santa Claus'....but I'm also pretty sure it doesn't say, "Expose the lie that is Santa Claus" either.


And there my friend lies the problem. I am currently 2 semesters away from graduating with my B.S. in education, and every professor says roughly the same thing when asked about teacher to student moral obligations..."Um yeah about that you are screwed"
The reason is that parents do not like the idea of teachers "undermining" their child's beliefs, yet many parents do not teach morals and ethics to their kids. I mean this is how screwed up a school is, if a kid is bullying another 9 times out of 10 the parent of the victim is thankful that the teacher put a stop to the violence (teaching a moral) but the other parent normally feels that their child was not in the wrong and that it was not the teachers place to stop them. Now if the parent of the bully complains enough then most administrations will punish the teacher, even if the student was in the wrong.
The point I am trying to make is that you are damned if you do and damned if you dont, santa clause can be a terrible thing in schools. You want to know why? because if "Santa" brings more toys to one person than another, then automatically both students will assume Santa likes them more. Imagine your kid coming home crying because they must have done something terrible for Santa not to have brought them more things. This may be far from the truth, but I will be damned if Santa Clause is going to become a symbol of class segregation in my classrooom

[FlameSama1]

Big deal? Well, unless I'm an entirely bad person, they'd have found out EVENTUALLY, why not third grade?

[BigMonkE]

I don't want to tell my kids that he's real. Because then you're just setting them up for disappointment.

[nashphx13z]

I know it's a long time away, but when I have kids, I will tell them about Santa. Where I live, most parents teach their kids about Santa. I don't want to be the parent that has the kid that ruins the secret for every other kid in their school. That'd suck, talking with your child's friends' parents after their kids found out from your child that Santa doesn't exist. Think about it.

[CCDaDon]

OH SH- You can get someone fired for that? I wish I knew.

[Banky71]

Spoiler Alert!!

[Ferocious Q]

i like to think im atheist, but the idea of spreading joy (and gifts :D) is obviously the best part of christmas.. i am a kid, a know santa doesn't exist, but that doesn't stop my parents from trying to emphasize it despite the fact im already 14... i did have this joke the other day thinking of a way that an incompetent parent could tell their kid that all those "myths" are untrue, by telling like a "so and so walk into a bar" kind of joke. it goes like "santa, the easter bunny, and the tooth fairy all walk into a bar. a mass murderer is on the inside. im sorry son, they're all DEAD!!!

[MronoC]

I found out that Santa wasn't real the same way...

...only I was in 6th grade. I think I would have preferred finding out in 3rd grade, because I was devastated not only at finding out Santa Claus isn't real, but also at realizing I was the last one to know.

What really bothers me about this story is that the made an effort to "repair the damage." What's it going to be like for these kids when their parents finally tell them, "Remember the teacher who we got fired for telling you Santa wasn't real? She was right."

As for the poll question, should I have children, I'd prefer to teach them to do good out of empathy and genuine morality, then out of fear of some omniscient being, be it God or Santa.

[Hungryfreak]

A teacher being fired over that is bullshirt. When I was in elementary school, I was the kid telling everyone that Santa didn't exist.

As for the poll, I'm Jewish, so it's irrelevant.

[neoxdonut]

LMAO, Being fired over telling some kid's Santa isn't real?,wow... their gonna find out eventually anyway..

[DethBoxx]

The greatest trick Santa ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. -Goethe

[maitee1]

I agree with the fact that the teacher shouldn't have been fired.

Personally, though,I would have kicked the teacher's ass. You don't take away my child's innocence because you feel like it. They will find out soon enough that the world is crappy enough.

[Rockin_it_all_nite_long]

How the hell does a teacher get fired for telling the truth? That's a bunch of bull****, sorry

[Sargehalo51]

I don't believe that it was the teacher's place to tell the kids.

Santa and similar things are up to the individual parents...not the education system.

[Oscar-Rio]

I don't think he deserved to be fired, maybe suspended, but certainly not fired.