Teachers outside Chicago need to help students understand the gun control debate, as well. Even if students haven't been directly affected by gun violence, the discussion can help them understand the debate outside their protected world is complex - and their world can too easily be shattered when we think of gun violence as someone else's problem.

As gloomy as this issue is, one of my students reminded why we must continue the conversation: "It will allow for more voices to be heard rather than just a politician's."

My students and I will watch Obama speak today and consider his rhetorical moves. Our country, our city, my students must then decide, will Obama's ideas and visit make a difference?

Experts and analysts will express their decisions on the airwaves and in print. My students will express their decisions on notebook paper in our class. Because of their experiences and our gun control lesson, I trust these young people's judgments will be just as precise.

The opinions expressed are solely those of Ray Salazar.