Today, as a rising junior at Felician University, I can firmly argue that a K-12 public education is essential in a student's life. Today, I would not be majoring in K-12 secondary education if it were not for the public education that I received during the first 13 years of my education.
Therefore, I urge both parents and students to be thankful, as well as realize that a public education is a blessing, especially to lower-class families. It is also important for lower-class parents to understand that their child's education could be the golden key to a better future, especially in terms of living a comfortable lifestyle.
Public education exists today because of Thomas Jefferson and Horace Mann. Jefferson is one of the founding fathers of the United States, as well as one of the first Americans to argue the need for a public education system in the United States. In 1785, Jefferson depicted his idea in his written document, "Notes on the State of Virginia." However, Jefferson's idea was denied three times.
Today, Horace Mann is referred to as the founding father of public education. Mann supported the idea of having public schools, as well as took part in the creation of the United State's first public schools system—the Common schools.
Throughout my educational career, I witnessed students, parents, teachers, as well as myself, criticize and complain about the United State's public education system. Nonetheless, as a pre-service teacher, I can conclude that our system is in need of reform; however, complaining about the system is not a solution.
Instead, it is pivotal for parents, teachers, principals, superintendents and students to realize that they all must work together to make sure that each student receives the high-quality education that he or she deserves, especially in today's world.
Today, my two years of experience as a pre-service teacher allows me to realize that education reforms are necessary, especially since classrooms throughout the country are more diverse than ever. For that reason, it is vital for teachers to explore, as well as incorporate different teaching strategies in his or her classroom. At the end of the day, an educator's primary goal is to educate his or her students.
According to NJ.com, the Newark Public Schools are getting closer to seeing their dream come true, which is to regain complete local control. After two decades under state authority, Newark Public Schools has gained more control of its personnel decisions.
Nonetheless, as a Newark-native and pre-service teacher, I can argue that the Newark Public Schools' system is heading towards the right path—success.
Not to mention that Newark educators are attempting to put an end to the disparities between urban and suburban school districts. Inequalities between affluent and needy areas have created an education gap across America. One day, such inequities, as well as gap will come to an end—hopefully.
I am extremely thankful for the public education that I received from the Hillside and Newark Public Schools. Such education is allowing me to chase after my dream, which is to become a successful and well-known educator, as well as to provide a comfortable lifestyle for my family and me.
