Education Crisis- Just Some Suggestions

The greatest equalizer in this world is education. I realize there are schools that have great difficulty meeting minimum standards much less acceptable ones. I believe a solution is within our grasp and must be found. I have a few suggestions that I think might help the incoming administration conquer this bit of irony in our American Culture.

My grandmother was a school teacher, immediately after finishing high school in Southern Georgia, near the turn of the last century. She drew great criticism for attempting to teach poor children of all races. She was a typical person of that era, but she knew that an education was one of the most important things in any young persons life. I completely agree.

The quality and quantity of teachers available is sorely lacking. Teachers are the most under paid profession, requiring a college degree. I am a registered nurse. I am privileged to make an outstanding income as a result of my profession. I believe that teachers, at all levels, should have a income equal to mine. I realize this must be tempered, but the ones that I know spend a lot of time preparing for class. If we are to have the cream of the crop teaching our children, then we must be willing to pay for planting the seeds.

The number of new teachers entering the teaching profession is lacking. Why would someone go to the great expense of obtaining a college degree and then enter a profession that allows them to apply for Food Stamps. If you want the best and brightest minds in front of the classroom, make it worth their while. If someone is majoring in Math, Science, or English pay for their education. Require them to teach for five years after graduating. (If a student pursues a doctorate it should be paid for. They would still only be required to be in the class room five years.) If they do not graduate they must repay their assistance in five years, every dime with interest. Quickly the shortage in teachers in these vital areas will be filled and then the application process can be more competitive.

While discussing education and schools we must remove the politics from the teaching curriculum. We must teach right and wrong. If a teacher is a womanizer, an addict, a thief, a child molester, or a slut they must not be in front of our children. The teacher in the front of the classroom may be the only positive influence in a child's life. They must be a HERO. Parents and each Board of Education must demand exemplary conduct and behavior from our teachers. If they fail to be a positive example they must be removed immediately.

An outstanding education is the RIGHT of every American. An outstanding education is only available from outstanding teachers. We must do what ever is necessary to put outstanding teachers in front of all our students.

Pray for President-elect Obama and my children.

GOD BLESS AMERICA