A shoutout to educators ….
Over the past month, I have had the pleasure to visit many public school districts around Texas. It didn’t matter if I was speaking to the entire staff at a back-to-school convocation, or providing professional development training to administrators and front-line staff; the overwhelming impression that I got was a simple one … passion AND dedication.
Public school employees are blessed to have such a passion. A passion for their craft, a passion for learning, and of course a passion for their students. I met first year teachers and veteran teachers. I even met one teacher that was beginning her 47th year in education and she was just as excited about the first day of school as everybody else. Their dedication is second to none! Long hours, changing curriculums, increased testing, overcrowded classrooms, and many times a Capitol building filled with legislators that never fully appreciate everything that educators accomplish.
Once again this biennium (which even included a special session) legislators addressed only a minuscule of needs and challenges facing public education. When I hear the phrase that we can’t throw money to fix education, it makes my blood boil. My wish is that every naysayer of public education spend time inside any public school in the State of Texas. Volunteer, mentor, maybe even become a substitute teacher. Once they’re inside, they’ll realize how many success stories they’re are. It’s easy to be a pessimist casting gloom when you haven’t been inside a public school in years.
My favorite keynote speech that I deliver at back-to-school rallies is called “A Million Success Stories.” In it, I talk about all the great successes that make our schools special. I encourage the audience to become an advocate for public education and share their stories with anyone who’ll listen, especially their elected officials.
Public education has a dominant presence in the Texas Constitution. My favorite excerpt is “it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” Our founders made that statement to ensure that our children receive the tools they need to be successful. Imagine if that focus was a strong today as it was over a century ago when it was adopted.
Our kids deserve the best. Teachers deserve the best. The repeated lawsuits involving Texas’ funding of education, or lack of funding of education, has placed so many restrictions on local school districts. It is time for our legislators to step up and make education their #1 priority.
I encourage everyone to talk about their great schools. Share a message of success. Advocating for public schools is something we all should do. If we don’t do it, who will?
