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.

Amber Mikesell

In my opinion, our current education system, while providing a solid framework, falls short in recognizing individuality and accommodating unique learning styles. Placing every child in the same structure based solely on age and following a standardized curriculum overlooks their diverse needs and interests. I strongly believe that we should prioritize nurturing each child’s unique learning style, personality traits, and talents to help them thrive. Read more>>

Dr. Olymphia O’Neale-White

As someone who has matriculated throughout all levels of education, I am baffled to realize how little financial literacy and career enhancement is emphasized in learning environments. As a professional social worker, I understand finance is directly related to stress and impacts many psychosocial challenges clients can experience. Read more>>

Peter Rachleff

In 1926, African American historian published the foundational book, THE MISEDUCATION OF THE NEGRO. Somewhere along the way in my teaching career (Macalester College, 1982-2012, with side gigs at Metropolitan State University, University of Minnesota, St. Paul Public Schools Adult & Community Ed, various local unions, and more), Read more>>

Aswand Cruickshank

I would completely diminish and restrict any and all standardized tests. These tests do nothing but create confusion for what it actually takes to survive in the real world. Let’s say you’ve been successful when taking standardized tests. Now, because you’ve received praise and acceptance from the the school system, you are likely to move forward in life, thinking that there can only be one answer to complex problems that require a great deal of critical thinking. Read more>>

Mary Margaret Skelly

I have a lot of respect for teachers and the grueling nature of their jobs. I know a lot of them want change and lobby for it constantly and thanklessly. So I share my opinion just from my own memories as a student and from what I observe in people mid-career. Read more>>

Christy Hunter

As I began my journey into entrepreneurship, I quickly learned how unprepared I was. In school, I was taught the very basics of budgeting, how to fill out a check (does anyone even do that anymore?), and that taxes were super important. But when it came to earning money for yourself, the standard was “get a regular corporate job.” Read more>>

Armando Rodriguez

This is a critical point in all our lives with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence. Tools like ChatGPT, BARD, Midjourney and other generative AI tools will quickly change the way we do our every day jobs. Artificial Intelligence has the power to do in seconds what it would normally take a human being days/weeks to do. Read more>>

Bianca Stitts

I would change several things about the education system, but the one(s) I would like to highlight today are Curriculum & Environment. Educators are effortlessly the most underappreciated careers you could have today in 2023. Add that to the oblivious Administrators that are no longer in the classroom- yet insist on changing the (poor)grading system and constantly promoting scholars that are on average 1-2 grade levels behind and it’s a recipe for a burnout. Read more>>

Sandra Gomez

To prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career, we need to support their individual skill sets and talents. As a former math teacher, I saw countless students struggle with abstract concepts and motivation to succeed in a topic that didn’t interest them. The education system will label these kids as at risk, and a certain stigma is tied. Read more>>