<span style=

“font-size: 14pt;”> Out of 30 developed countries, the

United States ranks 23rd in reading and 25th in math. How in the

world does a country with the reputation, resources and history as

one of the greatest nations on earth have such an embarrassing

education record when compared to others?

<span style=

“font-size: 14pt;”> Children currently in school will

be the first generation less educated than their parents. Did you

know that most public schools no longer teach students how to write

in cursive due to technology and the fact that most text writing is

done electronically? That means 20 years from now a 30-year-old

won’t even be able to read a copied document of the Declaration of

Independence.

<span style=

“font-size: 14pt;”> I’m not sure what our school

systems are doing, but if we’re ranking near the bottom of

developed countries, we’re failing somewhere. So, although I’d like

to join the fight, cure the problem and shove an encyclopedia into

the hands of every child I know … that’s just not realistic. But

I’m vowing to do something.

<span style=

“font-size: 14pt;”> For those undecided majors …

consider education. Although it’s not my field of choice, I’m sure

we can all agree we’re better people because of one, maybe two

inspirational teachers we’ve had in the past. Perhaps what’s

lacking is a greater number of good teachers in America

today.

<span style=

“font-size: 14pt;”> For those who chose to major in

education, but hate children … switch majors. Look, I’m not a fan

of a room full of kids. Heck, I won’t even go to Disney World

because the thought of thousands of screaming kids make me want to

sleep in a separate bed from my husband, but I don’t plan on being

a teacher.

<span style=

“font-size: 14pt;”> For those who chose to major in

education to make a difference … thank you. Sincerely, thank you.

We need more patient, hardworking individuals like you and I

applaud you all for choosing such a selfless, respectable career

path.

<span style=

“font-size: 14pt;”> For those of us still working hard

in school to achieve a degree … keep it up. The U.S. reading and

math rates may be low, but we’re not to blame for it. Encourage

younger people to go to college by leading by example. Maybe one

day we’ll be part of the reason for a positive turnaround in our

nation.