The number one thing we hear from entrepreneurs and artists and creatives when we ask them about their education is about how irrelevant it was to their story. Sure, some folks had wonderful educational experiences, but for many their experiences left them feeling ill prepared for life and their careers. So, we wanted to create a space for folks to share their experiences and ideas for how we can improve our educational system.

Ali Tepper, M.Ed., BCC

My first job in education was a classroom teacher and while my students made me smile daily, it was one the of most heartbreaking times of my life. Right around my third year teaching, my student’s genuine morning hugs and lightbulb moments couldn’t outweigh the constant pressure from the administration to focus on behavior management as a means to get kids learning and engaging in school. Read more>>

Jesikah Black

This is a great question and as a substitute teacher and yearbook staff, I would change quite a few things about the educational system. First and foremost, I would equip the teachers with adequate pay and resources. Depending on student needs, having available assistance for behavioral/academic support would help tremendously. Secondly, a more heart, head and hand centered education that focuses on helping children learn through play. Teaching kindness and gentleness and confidence building in who they are as a person and what they are good at would be so beneficial. Read more>>

Elizabeth West

I am a strong advocate for students and in my 25 years of higher education, I truly feel that the college admissions process can become more about prestige than fit. So, I am working with students and educating our community about how college fit is more important than how prestigious a college or university is. Of course, some of my students go to Yale and Princeton, but we analyze and customize college lists to emphasize fit over prestige. Read more>>

Ellen Brazelton

I’ve always had a love for science, so selecting Biology as my major at Tuskegee University was a no-brainer. All the career paths I heard about were lab work in industry or remaining in academia. Neither option sounded too appealing so I went on to pursue graduate studies at Iowa State University, thinking more options would become available with a Master’s degree. Academia was pushed even more so. I felt I was at a crossroads; change what I’ve always wanted to do or be complacent in a career path that didn’t particularly fulfill me. Read more>>

Kiersten B

Something i would change about the education system is the curriculum. A lot of things we have learned in school we do not apply in our everyday lives. If i had a say so i would interpret skills and trades in education. I would allow students to pick a trade or skill they like and than i would allow them to mainly take those courses to learn how to do whatever it is they want to do when they graduate! Read more>>

Darrien Dickson

I would change the reality of the educational system. Currently the system is broken, there are not enough real life situations and facts taught to the future adults of America. Let’s start with the accuracy of American history. It’s time to be completely honest and put it all out on the table. Then the true healing and love can begin for all. Teachers shouldn’t be forced to teach lies. Children grow up to be adults and do their own research, when this happens then it leaves a bad taste on the system when you realize all of the false narratives. Read more>>

Rick Vazza

Students need to be introduced to the trades as a career opportunity. The trade offer rewarding work that combines complex problem solving, customer service skills, the ability to use interesting tools, and the joys of completing tangible work. Additionally the trades offer competitive pay due to the high demand caused from the current labor shortage. Data suggests the average age of a plumber in the US is over 40 years old, with some citations suggesting this number to be even higher. Read more>>

Kathy Gates

I think we really limit kids in their thinking by creating defined paths and that style inhibits creativity and problem solving. For example, when I was in high school you had three tracks to choose from, 1.) someone who went to college and became a businessperson, a lawyer, a doctor, etc. Or, 2.) You went to trade school and became an electrician, a plumber, a tradesman. Or, 3.) You became a starving artist. Read more>>

Emily Robinson

As someone who has always loved the arts over the traditional curriculum courses I feel it would have been beneficial to have all of the jobs that encompass the artistic world be emphasized as valuable careers. Growing up in the northern Virginia area we are very fortunate in comparison to other places in the country when it comes to access to programs for the arts. They did have their spot light at times throughout the school year but when it came down to discussing futures and careers the message was very much “go to the best traditional school you can get into and ideally get a government job”. Read more>>