We are now somewhat out of school for the summer, yet I still see school buses running in my neighborhood each morning.
Have you ever thought about what your state’s educational rankings are?
As commercials continue to run for those seeking public offices, I heard this past Thursday that Alabama is 43rd in the nation.
I had to verify the information immediately, and it’s true.
I knew that education would be a challenge this year due to the current administration’s dismantling of various education offices.
Why are those school buses still running, and what are we expecting our teachers to teach the world’s future leaders?
Today, television and social media have diminished learning.
I can remember my parents unplugging the television or not watching any television until my homework was completed and checked.
I also remember how “C’s” were not allowed in our home.
They expected us to thrive and not survive.
Today, I wonder what the Bell Curve is for receiving a B.
I’m currently in the latter part of a Toastmasters’ eight-week Youth Leadership Program. I can visibly see how students are feeling the pressure of high school.
They were worried about finals and the end-of-year test weeks ago.
As one with a master’s in education, my thoughts are not far from the book I read titled “The Global Achievement Gap,” Why even our best schools don’t teach the new survival skills our children need and what we can do about it, by Tony Wagner.
The Global Achievement Gap was a required reading for leaders during my time as a Department of Defense Civilian training soldiers.
I’m aware that high school students are not soldiers; however, many will join the military or further their education.
The sad part is that many of these students will become parents with few skills to assist their children.
The teachers today must have a passion for their profession and not see it as just a paycheck.
A few months ago, I was also looking into visiting the Board of Education, which is another project I am working on in the background.
It’s about how I can assist teachers in passing the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification and the Modules.
National Board Certification (NBC) is the highest teaching credential in the U.S., offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). It is designed to identify, honor, and support teachers who meet rigorous standards for teaching excellence.
NBPTS Main Site Certification – NBPTS Main Site
As mentioned, Alabama is ranked 43rd in the nation. The “Public School Rankings by State 2026” is in the link below so that you can see where your state ranks.
Public School Rankings by State 2026
I’m humbled to see New York as number one because I went to grade school at PS 104 in Brooklyn many years ago. It was evident then that education was important and that when our family returned home to Virginia, I was ahead of my peers.
Some things never change, or do they?
Today, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect on your education and how you are helping others achieve the American Dream.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes lifelong learning and the urgency of knowledge.
“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” — Mark Twain highlights the difference between formal schooling and true learning.
“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” — Aristotle reminds us that effort in learning yields lasting rewards.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” — John Dewey stresses that learning is an ongoing, integral part of living.
“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” — Robert Frost highlights the role of education in cultivating patience and critical thinking.
All these quotes reflect the power, purpose, and philosophy of education, inspiring both students and educators to value knowledge, critical thinking, and personal growth. Each can be used for motivation, classroom discussions, or personal reflection on the lifelong journey of learning.
McKinley,
“Education is Key” is a slogan I grew up seeing on poster boards around my country The Bahamas. So the importance of education was injected into my mind from a very young age. In The Bahamas we continue to push the government to ensure the national average is high. But, we also know that the parents have a vital role to ensure their children respond positively to education served to them. In recent years there has been improvements as high schoolers take responsibility to do better. I continue to share my knowledge and skills. In February I presented to a group of Human Resource class of 2026 graduates at the University of The Bahamas “Dynamics of Government & Private Sector Organizations – Know the Difference”. It was an eye opener for those new graduates. I continue to do my part on various platforms. We need to continue to empower the young people, expose and direct them to opportunities to better educate them.
By the way, I like all your quotes today. Keep doing what you are doing!
Lucretia
Lucretia,
Greetings,
Thank you for your feedback today on education. I’m a firm believer that it’s up to us to help the younger generation. My concern is that not everyone has the drive for excellence, including our parents. I grew up at a time when we, as people of color, were required to be the best. I don’t see that same emphasis today.
Nevertheless, our legacy will speak for itself.
McKinley
McKinley
It is crystal clear that the insistence by your parents that taking academics very seriously was nonnegotiable remains a fixture in how you live your life as you consistently strive to educate yourself far beyond what may be required for a specific occupation. I have been involved with the educational and leadership development of young people in two ROTC assignments (Georgetown University and University of San Francisco). I also spent 15 years with JROTC programs following my retirement from active duty. Nothing has been more rewarding or gratifying. One final observation: the low placement of the reliably Red States on the list of educational rankings is quite revealing. Much can be extrapolated from that objective data.
Sam,
I’m humbled by your comments. This morning, I was reminded of discovering my destiny through the scriptures. I believe that you and I have been brought up to understand what is, seriously, nonnegotiable. I’m sure that those 15 years with JROTC programs following your retirement from active duty have allowed you to mentor countless students. At the same time, you have had to live by those same words. Thank you for your service to the nation and for supporting my blog.
McKinley