What is Education?

In elementary school we were all taught to look up the definition of words we did not know in order to understand what they mean. By definition, education is the process of teaching or learning. Teaching is showing or explaining how to do something. Learning is the process of gaining knowledge by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something. These definitions seem simple enough, right? No, education is more than a definition; it is complex.

Education comes in a variety of levels. First, our education starts from the moment we all come out of the womb. Our parents start by teaching us how to walk and talk. Most babies first words are “momma” or “dada,” but mine were “boomer” and “sooner”. The next level of education comes when we are four years old and we enter pre-kindergarten. We follow this by our K-12 experience. Elementary, middle, and high school teach us to expect the unexpected. We follow a strict curriculum guide across our years of study.

But, why do we do this? Are their guides to life? Yes, there are “Books for Dummies,” but I doubt they have the answers to all walks of life. Education does not come in a guide; it is learned through experience. Following K-12, one may enter into the college community, vocational technology community, or the working community. Each of these communities play a vital role in the future of our society and we must never put one over the other. Your role in society is your role. Continue on an educational path that works for you.

Some educators have even gone so far as to run for state office. I may not agree with the policies each is hoping to bring to the capitol, but I can agree that I admire their passion and commitment to the future of education in our state. God bless each and every educator across the state of Oklahoma and educators across the world.

Education is not all butterflies and rainbows in our state. Education in Oklahoma is underfunded and over-tested. It’s time to put politics aside and Make Oklahoma Education Great Again. Let’s work together as one and make education in our state stronger and more impacting.

I attended the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education and added Social Studies Education to my college plan. Once in the department I have flourished and accepted my role as a pre-service teacher. This semester I will be student teaching in Del City. I plan to face a plethora of challenges this semester, but I know this experience, like many others, will make me a stronger teacher and an even better person. I believe in the future of education. I believe this is how I can give back.

Family has also influenced my decision to step into the underpaid and under-respected teaching profession. My grandmother was a teacher for many years and she still continues to tutor children to this day. Her love and passion for education touched my heart in a way unlike none other. It is inspiring to see someone fight so hard to ensure her students (and grandchildren) will be equipped with the skill set to be successful in this world. I love you, Mammaw.

My Educational Plea to Educators.

Don’t give up. We can do this together. We often disagree over how best to achieve success, but we must not forget we are in this together. Whether you’re a strong supporter of school choice or you strictly prefer public school education, we must not forget our mission. Our mission is to change the lives of our students and equip them with the knowledge and power to be successful in their future endeavors. Let’s stop the bickering and get back to the mission. While our resources may be lackluster, we can still teach. Make the best of your situation and do all you can to ensure your students are equipped with the tools to be the change they want to see in the world.

This article is dedicated to all the educators who continue to change the lives of students. You are often underfunded and undervalued. Don’t give up the good fight to ensure we invest in education for future generations.

“Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela