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.

Kelsey Sorenson

Let’s face it – there’s a real shortage of teachers out there. It’s heartbreaking to see educators leaving their passion in droves. Now, I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but one thing is clear: teachers are feeling burnt out like never before. Just listen to what some of our community’s incredible teachers have to say when I asked if they love teaching: “It’s become a stress-inducing entity that little resembles the reason I got into education.” Read more>>

Ian Thomas-Minor

Education is a business and one of the only businesses where the end user which are the students get no real say in the product they are given. Systemically most students or color attend PWI’s where they can not see themselves in any leadership roles as it pertains to administration, that’s a problem. There is a push for educators of color but those educators usually get mis treated taken advantage off and or tasked with occupying a space of discipline rather then mentorship. Read more>>

Orchee Sorker

The education system in the United States often places a strong emphasis on memorization rather than fostering creativity for several reasons. While it is important to note that not all schools or educators follow this approach, certain factors contribute to the prevalence of this trend (standardized testing, college admissions, etc.). In addition, the lack of exposure to information and expectations, students are unable to determine a career they are passionate and will excel the most in. The possibilities are limitless but it’s the educators’ job to open the door of information to the students. Read more>>

Jess Jellings

I am “self-taught”. I did not attend college or any vocational school, and I hold no degrees. I have had the great fortune to learn from talented and successful co-workers as I’ve evolved my career from hospitality to communications and marketing. Growing up, I was what you might call “not interested in attending class” so on-the-job training has been a gift. So often, people feel pressured to attend university even if they are unsure of what they would like to study. I would love to see a transformation to a broader hiring process that is based on skills, not a degree to allow everyone to learn and work in an environment they enjoy. Read more>>

Malcolm Egun

Honestly, I would challenge the educational system to promote a better focus in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Speaking from personal experience, my younger schooling days was jaded with subject matter that doesn’t apply to real world economics in any shape or form. The lack of finance education runs rampant in inner-cities, which holds the greatest demographic of minorities. And in my opinion, this is the reason why most generations remain in poverty.. Read more>>

Karen Mayer Cunningham

As a special education advocate, I see daily that public schools don’t fully prepare those students for gainful employment, independent living, and further education as outlined in the law. Pediatrician would say as many has 25% of students have an educational disability. Read more>>

Ashley Edwards

Our education system should teach students financial literacy skills starting young. Our lives as adults revolve around the ability to generate money, as that’s what’s needed to have a decent quality of life. We’re not taught the power of money, how to use it, or how not to abuse it. We’re not taught budgeting and credit management. We’re not taught how to build generational wealth, how important a life insurance policy is, or how to properly prepare your estate for when you pass away. These are all situations that every human being will have to face one day, yet it’s a taboo in our schools and in our homes. It’s something we should talk about more. Read more>>

Erica Carrico

So much is taught in schools that aren’t relevant later in life. I think our entire world would change if our education system taught students 2 things: 1.) how to create money for themselves rather than relying on a “job” for a paycheck, and 2.) a fulfilling career is one that is aligned with our purpose and that the perfect career is a combination of what we absolutely love, and what we’re naturally good at. These 2 things would completely change the course of young people’s lives in incredible ways. Read more>>