Political Polarization in America is at a generational high in America. Fueling the polarization is a lack of civilized debate in politics at all levels of government. Civilized debate has become stifled because people do not know why they believe what they believe. The expansion of critical thinking in America will allow political discussions to become normalized and evidence-based. I am in my second year as a high school U.S. government teacher at Vandalia-Butler city school district. I reside in Springboro, OH and I am currently enrolled in the Instructional Design and Technology online Master’s Program at BGSU. Serving is my heart language as I enjoy volunteering with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and my local church. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at