Our children are watching

To the Editor,

     Superintendents from Midland and Monticello school districts recently shared challenges caused by labor shortages – same challenges for factories, grocery stores, hospitals, nursing homes – any job requiring face-to-face contact. Public education requires face-to-face contact to create a positive learning environment for preschool through high school-age children. Every child needs personalized expertise from professionals skilled in identifying individual learning strengths; and helping each child overcome limitations that might delay or prevent them from achieving their full potential.

     During the past century, the model of public education has been modified and expanded without corresponding increases of time or money – limiting resources to meet the needs of every child. The pandemic has changed our daily routines and placed additional stress on bonds of trust within families and communities.

     What is needed? Trust is the cornerstone for self-governed societies. I suggest that a spirit of positive public sentiment is needed to rebuild community trust and allow educators freedom to adapt and innovate and create new opportunities for learning. Wisdom and patience are also needed to cope with contesting sentiments for how public education “should be” delivered. As Lincoln supposedly stated: “Public sentiment is everything… With it nothing can fail… Without it nothing can succeed.”

     COVID-19 and other economic and social factors have accelerated culture changes that were already in process. Culture change, how we do things, has always been a difficult process. History provides several possible options for the future of our nation. Within limits ordained by a higher power – neither money nor mandates will determine the quality of life for our children. Positive sentiments created by individuals, families, and communities will shape the future of our children. Around the world, youth are concerned about climate change – adults seem more concerned about social mandates. History will tell if our children were sufficiently educated to respond with “public sentiment” to help them prioritize concerns they will face. Our children are watching and learning lessons – from public sentiment!

Phil Owen

Monticello, Iowa