Education is not broken.
In fact, our country is graduating students at a higher rate than any other time in history. That percentage continues to climb.
Metrics which measure how our students compare to other countries do not compare apples to apples. Important variables are left unaccounted for.
Unfortunately, we have many on the outside of our walls getting in the way. Too many feel they know more about how to educate students than those who have devoted their lives and careers to that very thing.
We are professionals. We studied education in college. Many of us have advanced degrees. We continue to read, learn, reflect, and try new things in an effort to give our students the best education possible.
Teachers on the front lines continue to be underpaid and under-appreciated. Too many on the outside choose to focus on what (they perceive) we’re doing wrong rather than what we’re doing right.
This is one reason we must stick together. If we do not value and support each other, who will?
Perhaps through our unity we can begin to change the mindset of those who believe our system is broken. It is not. But, the system could brake if those on the outside are able to tear down what walls remain.
Thank you to those who have chosen to remain in education despite all the challenges we face. We need you. We need you on the other side of those walls helping to hold them up.
Doug Dunn is superintendent and principal of a small K-8 school in rural, south central Missouri. He can be found on Twitter at DougDunnEdS.