Op-Ed on "Education" from JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
Nashville, TN - Do we really believe in DIVERSITY? While policymakers continue to deliver mixed messages, parents nationwide are increasingly concerned about their children's education. During campaigns, politicians highlight their educational policy accomplishments. However, once they are in the office, they become overly critical of the schools for these failed policies.
Their easy political solution is outsourcing K12 education to another unproven entity without taxpayer accountability. Author Carey Nieuwhof aptly characterizes our era as marked by "strong opinions, weakly formed."
Because of our shared values, the U.S. has attracted those pursuing the American dream for centuries. Education is one of the most cited reasons. The national motto, E Pluribus Unum (From Many, One), is now interpreted in various ways. Today's public schools reflect a tapestry of cultures, presenting opportunities and challenges for parents regarding their children's education.
Humans tend to form tribes, often aligning with those who share similarities. Our nation lacks a common language and shared ethical framework, raising concerns about opportunities for all citizens. We have witnessed a movement toward the extremes within both political parties, with each tribe convinced their stance is correct.
America was born from a revolution demanding great sacrifices. My ancestors, including Native Americans, played vital roles as soldiers, educators, and more. Bernard Baruch’s words resonate: “We did not all come over on the same ship, but we are all in the same boat.” Acknowledging our evolution as a melting pot is vital.
Our country is politically fragmented, grappling with conflicts that impede collaboration. Tackling urgent issues requires unity now instead of deferring challenges to future generations. The absence of critical thinking and leadership amplifies our current difficulties. In the U.S., subjects like science, social studies, and electives like art and music are disappearing, leading to a lack of basic skills in grammar, writing, math, and knowledge about history, culture, government, and civics.
True equality cannot thrive where individuals fear expressing their views. Cultivating open dialogue and welcoming diverse perspectives is essential, as this forms the backbone of a healthy society. We can bridge divides and discover common ground by promoting critical thinking and respectful discourse.
Adversity can unite us as a state and nation. As John F. Kennedy wisely noted, "What unites us is far greater than what divides us." Our shared unity strengthens us and fosters resilience against societal and educational challenges. We can find hope and optimism for the future in these trying times.
Currently, educators are caught in a cultural conflict fueled by heightened political influence from policymakers who lack a genuine understanding of educational challenges. These challenges include crumbling infrastructure, uneven funding, and insufficient mental health support, particularly for marginalized students. Educators feel their contributions, especially in shaping policy, are undervalued.
While discussions about educational priorities are vital, children should not be the battleground in our cultural wars. We must protect public education and the American Dream for future generations. If we define Tennessee's educational priorities, why do we let out-of-state interests dominate the political conversation? For the most part, policymakers do not want to hear from educators. State policy is dominated by those making political donations. To return government to the people, we need an honest debate on campaign finance reform in our state.
Most citizens still aspire to a better life for themselves and their children. We must dedicate ourselves to passing on the legacy of liberty to the next generation. As David French asserts, “Every American, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, or sexual orientation, can and should have a home in this land.”
Our future hinges on our ability to unite to enhance humanity—the one tribe we all belong to. At Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln asserted that our government was “for the people.” Cynics might twist that to suggest it’s only for those who make their voices heard. Therefore, make yourself heard---and you should not have to make political contributions to be heard. Otherwise, the boat we find ourselves drifting aimlessly in a sea of lost hope.
