Earlier today, I was out at a teacher professional devleopment telling social studies teachers about TIG Xpress - HIV/AIDS. Some teachers were genuinely interested, and are very eager to integrate the project into their classes. Some others were drawn over by my colourful display, but didn't see much of a fit--which is fine.

But there was a third group of teachers who really made me angry. Most of the ones belonging to this group would come over, see the word HIV, and rapidly turn away. One actually made the comment, directly to my face, "Oh, I don't have a strong enough stomach for that."

What? Does a weak stomach justify not teaching your students about one of the biggest crises facing the world, especially the world's youth, today?

Like it or not, if you are teaching a world studies course, or any course that speaks to global issues, globalization, the economy, etc... HIV/AIDS is a must-face issue. It's not something that can be relegated to a 10 minute session in a health class anymore. No wonder there is "complacency, lack of information, and misinformation about HIV/AIDS in Canada" (Health Canada).

I got much the same reaction the other day from a group of elementary teachers, but they were able to pass the buck--"oh, well, that's more of a high school thing..."

But... It's not! By high school, for a lot of kids, it's too late. If students don't understand well before the point of sexual activity not only how you actually, physically contract HIV, but also the root causes--the situation, cultural practices, inequities that but certain people in risky situation more often than others--and the outcomes--what it really means to have HIV/AIDS, the impact and stigma involved... Then we're not giving them the whole story.

Anyway, just my rant.