Jenn Lyles
<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.