February 2026
Archbishop Hoban High School
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Pages 6-7
HOBAN TEACHERS LEAD THE WAY IN KEEPING STUDENTS INFORMED ON CURRENT NEWS
BY ALEXANDRA LAGOS
Amidst a backdrop of recent political events, including the capturing of the Venezuelan leader and escalating debates over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), educators at Hoban are integrating these complex issues into their curriculum to properly educate the future of America: high schoolers. One of the primary goals of incorporating current events into the curriculum is to properly educate the minds that determine the future of U.S. politics. By connecting classroom concepts to real-world issues, teachers help students understand the practical applications of their studies. “Pay attention to the world, because if you do not you do so at your own peril,” said social studies teacher Austin Hawk ‘16.
This approach not only sparks their curiosity but also motivates them to take a more active role in politics. Teachers at Hoban use a variety of methods to keep their students informed without injecting their own political views. History teachers regularly share news articles, videos, and other resources related to their subject matter. They also encourage students to bring in their own news findings and discuss them in class, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Many teachers feel the need to provide a learning environment where students can develop their own personal opinions based on evidence, rather than being swayed by misinformation or propaganda. This involves creating assignments that require students to research and analyze information from multiple perspectives,
Students in Mrs. Reed’s International Politics class engaged in a National Security Council simulation addressing how the United States should respond to a hypothetical Chinese invasion of Taiwan. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGARET REED
teaching them how to identify bias in different sources and fostering a culture of respectful discussion where students can challenge each others’ ideas in a constructive manner. Hawk, for instance, starts each class with a daily warm-up question that may require students to research and report on a recent news story. This activity not only keeps students up-to-date on current events, but also helps them develop essential unbiased research and critical thinking skills. By analyzing news sources and summarizing information, students learn to discern credible information from misinformation. Social studies teacher Margaret Reed takes a more competitive approach. “In International politics class, at the end of every unit, there is a National Security council simulation,” Reed said.“Everyone in the class represents members of the security council during idea sharing and bringing up lots of different perspectives.” These debates provide students with a platform to express their opinions, engage in respectful dialogue, and consider different perspectives. By discussing complex issues in a structured setting, students learn to think critically and articulate their ideas effectively. Hawk and Reed are dedicated to highlighting the importance of keeping students informed about current events. By integrating real-world issues into their lessons, their goal is to not only enhance students’ understanding of the subject matter but also empower them to become informed, engaged, and responsible citizens. As the world continues to evolve, the ability to stay informed and think critically will be essential skills for success.