Logically this post should have been the post for yesterday, but what's done is done. I'm sure I'll make more mistakes.
There is an easy answer to this question - EVERYBODY! In fact, education is a win-win situation for almost everyone. Here's how.
Students, in school you get to be with your friends and develop your mind and your interests. How lucky! Older students, are you feeling like you're bored, maybe thinking of dropping out (or maybe you have already). Go ahead, but buy yourself a sturdy used lawn chair and go sit permanently on the nearest corner. It'll probably be the best job you'll ever get. Are you getting a little sore from sitting in that lawn chair all day? Our society allows you to go back to school and get a GED (If you don't know how to get a GED, go to your local school or library to get help). You can then continue on your way to whatever job you want and you can think big. You can be whatever you want in our society. You can trade your lawn chair for a camp stool for awhile and work in a low level position in the field you choose as you work up the education ladder. I know single parents who have followed the 'GED, work where you can' method to get the education they need for a successful career. If you work hard enough and smart enough, it will happen.
Parents and grandparents, I know you all want your children to be successful. Education is the path to your goal. Be glad you have a few minutes off while the kids are in school each day, and help your child and yourself by doing something to help your child's education. It may be spending time reading or playing. It may be time helping at school or with sports teams. Whatever you do to help your child, it's an investment in your future. The more good education your children get, the less likely they are to end up in your basement when they're 30. You are their first and most important teacher.
People without children, you are still in a win-win situation. Those kids getting good educations are less likely to be creating mischief and more likely to be able to have a good career and contribute taxes and social security for the benefit of us all. As Hillary Clinton has made famous, it takes a village . . .
Businesses, all too often in my state of Michigan I see a tug and pull between you and education. Businesses you provide much of the tax base and want lower taxes. Schools, you need the tax money to provide a good educational system. Since one can not exist without the other, you should be walking hand in hand. Businesses, you should work closely with schools to be sure they are providing workers with the skills you need. You should be providing support, mentors and interns and other opportunities. Schools, you should be out in the business community, talking, welcoming and finding out what the business community needs and then tailoring parts of the curriculum to meet those needs. You should be soliciting help and carefully use that help when it's given. When you both work together, we will indeed have a win-win education system.
Politicians, you have a unique and vital position in the development and success of our education system. It is you who have a strong role in deciding how to fund all governmental services. You also have much to say about what is taught and how it is taught. In return a great educational system will provide a more fully employed electorate, greater funds for governmental services, and a more contented populace. It may even be a factor in your return to office!
Finally, school employees are also in a win-win situation. From the highest administrators to the bathroom cleaners, what better careers could you have than one that helps children every day and where future is primary, and you get a fair wage (or at least before the recession you got a good wage). It's work that's important and difficult and you should be commended for it.
So education helps us all. Show your support on the Red Flag for Education Day January 10.
Tomorrow's topic will be What is a Good Education?
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