We are a stronger community and we are better individuals when we are committed to learning. From toddlers learning the basics of language, to high schoolers learning skills that prepare them for their next step in life, to doctors continuing their education to keep everyone well– everything starts with Education.
I am an educator and I have seen firsthand both how transformational access to quality education can be but also how challenging learning can be when schools are not adequately resourced. A student’s zip code should not determine their likelihood of success in the classroom.
When some schools give students access to recent technology, textbooks, and well-supported teachers while other schools go without those things, we have a problem. When students can’t focus on learning because their stomachs are growling, we have a problem. When teachers and support staff are stretched beyond their capacities and are left questioning whether they can make it another day, we have a problem. And importantly, when students’ minds are filled with anxiety, wondering “is our school next,” instead of focusing on learning, we have a problem.
The educational system is outdated. We haven’t been making the small, necessary changes over the past few decades. This issue affects Kansans daily. This goes beyond just paying teachers more. All schools need access to quality learning resources. All students deserve to be fed. All schools need adequate numbers of fairly-paid support staff like mental health professionals, bus drivers, para professionals. This is just the beginning, but we can create the momentum to make the big changes that are necessary.
I am an educator and I have seen firsthand both how transformational access to quality education can be but also how challenging learning can be when schools are not adequately resourced. A student’s zip code should not determine their likelihood of success in the classroom.
When some schools give students access to recent technology, textbooks, and well-supported teachers while other schools go without those things, we have a problem. When students can’t focus on learning because their stomachs are growling, we have a problem. When teachers and support staff are stretched beyond their capacities and are left questioning whether they can make it another day, we have a problem. And importantly, when students’ minds are filled with anxiety, wondering “is our school next,” instead of focusing on learning, we have a problem.
The educational system is outdated. We haven’t been making the small, necessary changes over the past few decades. This issue affects Kansans daily. This goes beyond just paying teachers more. All schools need access to quality learning resources. All students deserve to be fed. All schools need adequate numbers of fairly-paid support staff like mental health professionals, bus drivers, para professionals. This is just the beginning, but we can create the momentum to make the big changes that are necessary.
