Our children are our future. Education is at the heart at developing their skills and abilities and yet year after year we hear about the degrading state of our educational system. Our nation has spent trillions of dollars on failed programs that research and experts had promised would work. Achievement gaps persist, performance declines are accelerating and so it is of paramount importance that we explore novel ideas and solutions. You might not agree with many or any of the ideas below, and we certainly are not endorsing policies – our hope is just to create a space where bright, dedicated folks from the community can share their ideas – so that we can all come together and better understand each others experiences, concerns and how we might move forward together to build a brighter future.

Alexis Scavo

Prior to starting See Spot Studio, I spent a decade teaching in various educational settings—including a gifted and talented public school, a Title I low-income public school, and a private school—I have witnessed firsthand what I believe is a critical gap in how we prepare students for life and careers. The lack of hands-on vocational programs and mentorship opportunities means that many students miss out on discovering practical skills and passions that could lead to fulfilling careers. These programs can be transformative, yet without them, we’re not adequately preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Read more>>

Lisa M. Landry

The definition of education per the Oxford American Dictionary is the “systematic training and instruction designed to impart knowledge and develop skill” (Oxford American Dictionary, 1979). Educational institutions are the key component in developing our cognitive and communication skills. We place our trust in the education system to groom the youth into productive citizens, preparing them for future endeavors. In addition to religion and politics, education is among the influential aspects of American culture. If we lived in a utopian society, everyone would have a seamless educational experience. Unfortunately, in reality, our education system is imperfect and biased. Read more>>

Trent Perry

As soon as I saw this question I didn’t need to scroll any further. This has been on my heart for such a long time now, especially as we’re in the midst of a tech/social media driven age. Being in the home services world, even the most seasoned veteran tradesmen are worried for the future of their industry as we’re seeing those skills naturally decline. Easy to understand as kids can make a fortune dancing in front of a ring light now. New & innovative ways to make a comfortable living are coming out of the woodworks. With that said, it’s our job as adults to ensure our youth do not lose touch with where they come from, & what got them here. Progression and fresh new styles of living are beautiful to behold, however that doesn’t mean we should completely forget that the music we love today was derived from the Frank Sinatra’s & Mile’s Davis’s of the industry. Read more>>

Kajohnae Josaphat

One of the things that I would change about the education system to prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career would be to normalize working for themselves. In schools the focus is to make good grades, Maintain a high GPA, obtain a bachelors / masters degree and get a good job. Why not normalize our kids to get a great education to start their own LLC’s and invest in properties, stocks, and bonds. Growing up I attended some of the best schools and colleges. I attended Windsor Hills Math Science Aerospace Magnet school for elementary, Orville Wright Middle School for junior high, Westchester High for senior high, and Los Angeles Trade Tech for college. While attending school I was taught to get good grades, maintain a 3.5 GPA, get a scholarship to attend college and find a job with a 401K plan. Read more>>

Yolanda Carreras

I believe the educational system should emphasize the importance of choosing a career that not only provides financial stability but also aligns with an individual’s passions, strengths, and well-being. Too often, students feel pressured to commit to a career path prematurely, prioritizing external expectations over personal fulfillment. It’s crucial to create an environment where it’s okay to be uncertain and explore different paths, as these decisions profoundly shape the course of one’s life. Read more>>

Candace Okin

The one thing I would change about the education system is to require classes that teach and emphasize skillsets that students will need emphatically to thrive as adults in the world. A specific class would include money management. While schools currently require math classes like Algebra I and II to graduate, a small percentage of all students who take these classes will actually use it within their career fields. Everyone, however, will use money management skills in no matter what career they choose, as well as in their personal lives. We are providing a huge disservice to the next generation’s workforce by not equipping them with the most basic and essential education and skills they need to succeed. This is one of the main reasons why Mason Makes Money Fund exists – to fill the void in traditional education. Read more>>