In the history classroom, discussing topics like race, power, and privilege can be challenging. Some of the most important events and lessons from history are buried in uncomfortable truths and sensitive topics.
Your students are aware of these issues. They have their own beliefs, lived experiences, and opinions on these topics. Sometimes these discussions can become heated.
As a History Education major, you need to be prepared to handle controversy in the classroom.
Building a Brave Classroom
Sensitive topics can feel treacherous to students. They might be anxious about talking in class, arguing with their peers, and hearing viewpoints they aren’t used to. You can help your students face these controversial topics by making your classroom a brave space.
A Brave Space—a framework developed by Victoria D. Stubbs—is an environment designed to acknowledge these challenges. It emphasizes that both students and faculty share the responsibility for fostering a healthy, courageous classroom culture.
You can create a brave space in your classroom by following these six principles.
1. Vulnerability: Willingness to face uncertainty and difficult situations.
If students are willing to be uncomfortable, then they are willing to listen and to grow. You model vulnerability by sharing questions you don’t fully understand.
2. Perspective Taking: Listening to others with empathy.
Every student’s perspective is shaped by what they know, feel, and have experienced. You model perspective taking by giving a voice to your students, making sure they feel understood.
3. Lean into Fear: Doing things that make you nervous.
Fear lets students know when they are ready to discover something new. You model this by stepping out of your comfort zone; you create teachable moments that benefit the entire class.
4. Critical Thinking: Effort to critique all viewpoints.
Students will learn most when they are able to use critique as a way to learn about all viewpoints. You model critical thinking by using critique to expand your thinking rather than attacking a student's intelligence.
5. Examine Intentions: Checking self-awareness before speaking.
Controversy can feel personal to students, and they might forget the purpose of a class discussion. You model this by asking yourself: Is my contribution intended to move the dialogue forward, or is it merely self-serving?
6. Mindfulness: Thinking before speaking.
When historical topics become emotionally charged, mindfulness helps you slow down and pause before reacting. You model this by intentionally allowing the other five pillars to function effectively.
Moving Your Classroom Forward
Controversial topics don’t have to be a pain point in learning history. With the right strategy, they are an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and become leaders in their generation. You can turn any classroom challenge into a moment of discovery.
Sources
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: American Government Education
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: English Education
ETS Praxis
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Geography Education
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: History Education
BYU-Idaho History Student Resources
Praxis ETS: Idaho Required Test
2026 How to Become a High School History Teacher in Idaho: Requirements & Certification
“How Should Teachers Teach Controversial History?”
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Mathematics Education
NEA: Know Your Rights: Idaho.
EPP Handbook of Policies and Procedures: Praxis.
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Spanish Education
BYU-Idaho Student Teaching Services: Student Teaching Certification
Student Teaching Services: Student Teaching Exams & Praxis
Teaching Challenging Histories: Strategies for Approaching Controversial Topics in Social Studies.
Teaching History: Materials
Teacher Preparation: Teacher Preparation Education Requirements BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Tesol Education
University of Maryland: "The 6 Pillars of a Brave Space".
Which Praxis Tests to Take