Turning Hope into Action...Action into Power!

I have just returned from a very educational conference hosted by the NEA is Salt Lake City, UT. Part of the Happiness Project for myself was to take part in more travel this year, in addition to education of myself personally on issues close to my heart.

What could possibly become closer to home that the current state of education in my nation, state and local area. Am I as an educator, up to date of the current issues in my field? Answer reader, NO! I am more educated than most in the area, but not nearly what I should be; nor am I voicing my heart on those issues most dear to me...my 5th grade loves who do not currently have the right as American citizens to advocate for themselves? No. :( It is time to take action Kansas! It is time that we as citizens and educators stop the ignorance and get educated ourselves on what is happening and then do what we do best...educate others on the issues facing our profession and take a stand for what we believe in. Repeat aloud after me..."I will no longer be an ostrich and stick my head in the sand."

I believe that all children can learn. I believe that in order for children to learn, those who are doing the educating must be willing to do the work that it takes for the learning to happen effectively. What does this look like you ask?

It means that as an educator, I need to educate others on what I need to make effective teaching. This means best practices, equitable technology and curriculum, safe learning environments. If education is not funded properly, we will not have the nation which we want in the next 40 years.

The return of investment in the course of 35 years of those who are educated is 14%. This means by funding education, the person who gets educated will imporve their community by over 14% in the course of their lifetime. However, on the flip side, if cutting education occurs, then there will be a decline of 12% over time because of the out-sourcing to other area which are educated better.

What does this mean? This means that as a nation, we will continue to ship our jobs to the nations where the people are best prepared to tackle the issues. Where do you want to live...where there are great schools and neighborhoods, the community works together and people work for progress and change....Right? Well, China is #1, and will continue to be so by increasing their funding of education by 25% in the next 4 years alone. As a nation, we have to start looking long-term in investing in what the big picture means to us rather than short term.

Little things done right consistently will make for a big result later on. My weight-loss story tells that alone. When you do what you should do, everyday, and sacrafice as best you can, in the short term, it sucks, but the overall big return on the investment is worth it.

Come on People! Let's Get to Movin'!

(Photo above is with my roomie Betsy, NEA VP Lily Eskelsen and myself.)