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.

Erin Early

Education is key to having a fulfilling life! As a physical education teacher and coach, I am very much in tune with the importance of exercise and how important it is for our bodies AND our brains. Exercise creates new neurons in our brains which assists in learning, memory, and affect. With our youngest learners, I would change the educational system at all ages to it’s schedule their core subject areas after physical education. I would also love to see physical education incorporated into the lives of all of our students on a daily basis. It’s my job to expose students to as many sports and activities as possible because you never know what student never had the chance to ski, ride a bike, shoot a basketball, or dribble a soccer ball. Read more>>

Paige Harker

When I look at the education system as a whole. I see beyond the Veil. Like any business, it has its own marketing agenda to funnel the illusion that you need it to be successful or worthy. Analyzing all the successful Entrepreneurs and Creators around me. That are doing big things. Almost always… those that went to postsecondary, what they studied… is completely irrelevant to what they do now. I would argue that self-learning, mentorship, and taking time to find yourself is the most fundamental and critical thing during those early years, when deciding which career path to follow. Read more>>

Dr. James K. Winfield

As a higher education professional, I believe in the opportunities that an education can produce for individuals. However, I do not believe that success is exclusive to one type of degree or credential. With the rising demands in the workforce, a paradigm shift is reemerging in higher education, where there is more of an appreciation for all levels of learning, micro-credentials, certifications, associates, and bachelor’s degrees. I advocate for all levels of post-secondary learning; as educators, we have to be tuned to what is valued and recognized by this vast workforce and industry. Read more>>

Charmisse Morency

I think in order to better prepare students for life and the choices they’ll have to make, we must have certain conversations earlier. Oftentimes, families don’t discuss college, finances, etc until high school. Why not begin sooner? I think by introducing these ideas and planting seeds, you’ll have more than enough time to nurture a child’s interests, ask and answer questions as well as plan accordingly. Read more>>

Travis Parker

I am Travis Parker, the founder of Travis Parker Academy, and I am thrilled to share my vision for transforming the educational system in cosmetology and hairdressing. Over the years, I have noticed that many cosmetology schools focus primarily on obtaining a license rather than providing a comprehensive education in the fundamentals and basics of hairdressing. This lack of emphasis on the core principles has left students ill-equipped to tackle real-world challenges in haircutting, hair coloring, running a business, and marketing themselves effectively. Read more>>

Taliya Harman

I think there’s a lot to say about the education system when it comes to the world of filmmaking. First off, it’s not necessary to go to school, so why do it? I think there’s a few benefits to schooling. Starting in school gives students who haven’t had access to cameras and lights and etc the opportunity to try it out and learn to see if this is something they’d be interested in. Although I’d been interested in filmmaking from a young age, I never had many, if any, opportunities to give it a real shot until college, and it wasn’t until then that I learned of my love for the camera. Read more>>

Katt Balsan

Considering the uniqueness of each students in the different methods of teachings. For example, some people are visualize learners, some are doers and some need more explanations. It seems like in today’s education we focus on one method of teaching (i.e. sitting down behind a desk), instead of encouraging multiple approaches. It would be great to introduce more nature time and group activities outside of the classroom. Introducing more sports and performing arts as well in the school system to push kids to be creative and learn from themselves. And really guide students in doing what makes them happy and learning about the topics that they are interested in. Read more>>

Melody Blackledge

The most pressing matter that I would change about the education system is to find a way to honor teachers. Teachers used to be well-respected, pillars of our communities. Over time, that seems to have changed. The work of teachers has gotten more difficult over the decades, but the community support and value of our teachers has diminished. Our students all over the world cannot learn and progress without teachers. Teachers are working tirelessly to be everything for their students, but they don’t get the recognition or respect that they deserve. I know that when teachers feel appreciated and safe in schools, this will have a direct positive impact on students everywhere. Read more>>

Bri Holland

When I was young and expressionless, I found myself trying everything in High School to escape my reality of home life. I was lost in the many stressors of life back then. I signed up for art class like most of the other students but, the difference was the teacher. My teacher was wildly and crazily free! I never saw anyone throw the book across the room and declare “we’re not learning from the book”! It was wild to see someone exude so much passion and belief in Art. I think that was the switch in me to really pour out my creativity in this form. Painting took over me and helped me throughout my life. I would love to have had multiple options to express what I was going through as a young adult. Read more>>

Jordan Brooks

I thinks it is vital that institutions of learning prioritize “seeing” students for who they are and not how they fit a predefined narrative. I think it is vital that they also prioritize creating environments and experiences that support students improving their observational skills and “seeing” their self. The education-industrial complex could be a space where the unique yet community serving interests, desires, and passions of students could be cultivated and refined in a manner that encourages cultural ways of knowing, curiosity, creativity, and self-efficacy. Read more>>