The Positive Side of Public Education

                There are a number of challenges with our public education system that have been well documented and debated.  While many of these challenges are systemic and sometimes self-inflicted, there are a number of positive things happening in public schools.

                The first are teachers and administrators.  Although they are blamed for a majority of things wrong in public education, a majority of teachers and administrators are dedicated individuals who love children and strive to provide them with the best education possible.  These dedicated individuals come to work early, leave late, work from home, and spend their own money on supplies and things students may not be able to afford (food, clothing, prom tickets, etc).  Additionally, these dedicated individuals write recommendations and offer guidance and advice on a number of areas where youth struggle to make the right decisions.

                Second our public education system provides students with opportunities to grow and develop social, physical and intellectual skills.  Through teams sports, art and music programs, and clubs, students have an opportunity to learn valuable skills, develop and enhance their talents, and find their voice through teamwork, sacrifice, and service to their peers and school.  By participating in school sports, art and music and clubs, students develop the leadership skill develop social and political awareness and activism.  Students also learn commitment and discipline, learn health and fitness, learn to pay attention to details and they learn how to balance education and social life.  Lastly, participation in team sports, art and music programs and clubs build self-esteem, instill confidence, keep students engaged in academic achievement, and gives students aspirations for post-secondary training.

                There are a number of positive thing occur in public education every day.  A majority of students’ are hard working, enjoy school and graduate.  While there is a tendency to always focus on the challenges in public education and on the small, disruptive group of students’ who are responsible for some of the challenges, the positive things in public education should not be overshadowed, devalued, or dismissed.  With the lack of resources provided to public education and the non-educational challenges (poverty, illiteracy, and neglect) that arrive t its doors, our public education system does a good job despite the challenges it faces on a daily basis.