Rep. Jim DeMint’s views about factoring personal lives into the equation of judging who should teach in public schools has educators befuddled, disappointed and upset.

“I don’t know what Mr. DeMint thinks occurs in schools,” said Sheila Gallagher, president of the South Carolina Education Association, a teacher advocacy group.

“What occurs is ... the building of a child, a young person, and making them feel like they are worth something and can succeed,” said Gallagher, a middle school health teacher in Florence.

In the span of 48 hours this week, the Upstate Republican running for U.S. Senate said openly homosexual teachers and unwed pregnant women should not teach. Wednesday, DeMint distanced himself from his statement about expectant mothers.

“I know he probably misspoke,” said Susan Brewer, an English teacher at Camden High School. “At least, I hope so. It does worry me he said that, though.”

DeMint’s opinions about who is an acceptable teacher based on moral grounds generated a buzz in some education circles.

In a random, unscientific survey Wednesday, teacher reaction tended to come in question form. None of the 14 teachers from across the state who were left electronic and phone messages supported DeMint’s comments.

“How about adulterers?” said Phil Ashley, an elementary music specialist at Honea Path Elementary School. “Whatever you do in the privacy of your home is your business.”

Ashley challenged DeMint to produce “data on all these unwed teachers.”

“Unwed pregnant teachers? What’s next?” asked Pam Stowell, a science teacher at Dorman High School in Spartanburg. “Things that influence my children’s ability to learn have to do with funding, not teachers’ lifestyles.”

Jackie Hicks, a Clover High School math teacher, wondered: “Is it OK for men to father children and not be wed? There are so many things you can get into.

“I do not appreciate him making a flat statement against people about their sexual orientation. It has no bearing on their value as a classroom teacher,” the former SCEA president said.

Brewer, president of the Palmetto State Teachers Association, wondered whether “Alcoholics will be next. Then, will it be people with mental illness? Gamblers? Where does it stop?”

Katina Wise, a single mom teaching kindergarten in Richland 1, said DeMint’s comments generated plenty of discussion among colleagues.

“What does my personal life have to do with how I teach your child? That’s not what I come into the classroom to discuss,” Wise said.

Edward Hill, a third-grade teacher at the same school as Wise, said, “What went through my mind is: Why are you saying that? What is the real purpose behind your comments?”

Hill found DeMint’s views “equally upsetting. I do not judge my colleagues on what they do after 5 p.m. You want best practices. If a person is effective, that’s what I want for my son or daughter.”

Gallagher said, “I want people (teachers) who have a love for children and learning.”

Given DeMint’s opposition to abortion, Elizabeth Gressette, the Palmetto State Teachers Association director, said the congressman’s statements make her ask: “What about a single, unwed teacher who is raped and feels the same way you do? You would take the job away from her?”

Reach Robinson at (803) 771-8482 or brobinson@thestate.com.