Oscar-Winning Actor Surprises UC High Teacher

Back in September, Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss wrote an opinion piece for the San Diego Union-Tribune, complaining about the lack of civics education in our high schools.

Michele Fournier, government teacher at University City High, wrote the newspaper — which published the letter — saying that civics education was alive and well in her classroom and that Mr. Dreyfuss could stop by any time.

Much to her surprise, he took her up on the offer and stopped by on Dec. 18. While there, he observed Ms. Fournier’s “holiday song project” and was delighted by her students’ knowledge and creativity. He addressed the students and explained the importance of understanding civics and democracy; he also spoke passionately about the skill of being able to reason and argue rationally.

Dreyfuss believes civics should be taught in grades K-12 and created The Dreyfuss Initiative to encourage the adoption of this curriculum.

For more information, please contact Michele Fournier.

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