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.
Anthony E Thompson Ii
The current education system, while foundational in many ways, often lacks the flexibility and real-world application needed to truly prepare students for fulfilling careers, especially in rapidly evolving industries like entertainment. If I could change one thing, it would be to integrate more practical, industry-specific experiences into curricula. Students should not only gain theoretical knowledge but also engage with hands-on projects and real-world scenarios that give them a deeper understanding of how their studies translate into actual careers. Read more>>
Kate Giacomini
As the owner and director of Highlands Micro School, I believe that preparing students for a fulfilling life and career requires not only a personalized approach to learning but also a strong emphasis on relationships—both between students and teachers and among students themselves. At our school, we embrace the concept of Crew, recognizing that a supportive community is essential for academic and personal growth. One of the things we say often is, “We are Crew, not Passengers,” meaning that we don’t just exist alongside each other—we rely on one another, we contribute, and we show up for the hard work. Read more>>
Mark Crawford
I’ve taught at the college level over 30 years. One consistent question I see students struggle to answer is “what do I want to do with my life.” I feel for students who try to pick a career path based on little or no practical experience. To help a student gain more career insight and make informed decisions, one aspect of the educational system I’d like to see changed is the addition of mandatory shadow programs and internships, as well as regular side visits and guest speakers. Read more>>
Chalmers Stewart
I grew up in a small Montessori school that taught kindergarten through 12th, with the 6-12th grades focusing on college prep. The best aspect of this school that I wish would be applied to our education system is that the teaching should be molded to the student, not the other way around. For example, in high school, our English class was reading “Pride and Prejudice”.I could not, for the life of me, read the book without falling asleep with boredom, just couldnt care about it at all. So I sat with my teacher, and we discussed what books I thought I would find interesting, and also challenging. I decided on Dantes “Divine Comedy”. Read more>>
Coach Sakilé
If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be to make experiential learning the centerpiece of every child’s education. Children don’t just need knowledge; they need experiences that allow them to apply that knowledge in meaningful, tangible ways. Learning shouldn’t just happen within the four walls of a classroom—it should happen in the world, in the real-life scenarios where they will one day thrive. Read more>>
Jimi Kim
I would tailor the educational system to provide more valuable skills to the students based on the their goals and aspirations. I feel that certain courses or curriculum is important, however, some are not focused on what is valuable to the student in aligning them with their career goals. Food for thought, but if a student only had 1-2 years, rather than the 4 years in high school, to learn about the many careers and opportunities he or she could direct their energies towards I believe this would tremendously save much wasted time, money, and energies rather than passively partaking in a curriculum some may find valuable. Read more>>
Dave Guthrie
Growing up I always had an affinity to take things apart and discover how they worked. Of course more often I failed to put them back together though. My mother recalls a time when she was picking me up from school to discover I was thoroughly infatuated by the custodian fixing the water fountain. This would later manifest into an apprenticeship at a local automotive repair shop. Growing up I often struggled maintaining interest in school. That was until I enrolled at my local automotive technology training center. It was there that I quickly developed a foundation that would carry me throughout an eclectic career as an automotive technician to a current day shop owner. Read more>>
Rachael Mcmillan
As a former middle school teacher, there are several things I would change about the education system.
The most important thing: students need more social-emotional support at school. Not every child has a supportive home life. For some, school may be the only structure they have. And with social media and constant news updates at their fingertips? It’s overwhelming—but staying connected is important to them. Educating and supporting students in their social-emotional needs would be incredibly beneficial. Read more>>