Public education offers an opportunity to increase ones knowledge, skills, and values.  It is attentive to the needs of both the individual and the community as students achieve advancing levels of literacy through the development of language.  I believe it is the responsibility of educators and the educational system to promote literacy and foster ethical, disciplined, cooperative, thoughtful, considerate, problem-solving, and creative citizens via a variety of methods and approaches that emphasize process over product.  I believe there is considerable value in arts education, traditional education, vocational education, integration of disciplines, and other alternative approaches within a system that allows choice.  We live in a dynamic and globally complex society that requires a complex educational system to meet the needs of a disparate population.

              I have long been an advocate of the arts as both a unique discipline and as a learning tool for the enhanced understanding of traditional subjects.  It is important that schools introduce students to a wide variety of activities and experiences that broaden their knowledge base.  Exposure to music, visual art, theatre, and dance help students to gain a larger understanding of the world.  They open the door to a global citizenry and help to eliminate the worst enemies of human kind: ignorance and prejudice.   

              This brings up the question, “what should be taught?”  This is a question that requires careful reflection and action based on the changing needs of society.  I have faith in the democratic process and the individual disciplines to continually review subject matter in light of current needs.  Professional organizations composed of educators and researchers study, debate, dialogue, and discuss their subjects and will ultimately come to a consensus, for a time, about basic concepts that students need to know as they progress through the process of becoming educated.  Educators have access to professional organizations that actively search for new methods, approaches, and curriculum content.  By strongly supporting professional development opportunities and participation in these organizations, we can introduce students to a wide range of knowledge that will help develop a basic foundation from which to become successful, well rounded human beings who are able to make positive contributions to society.

              As I view the big picture of education, this foundation of knowledge will be accompanied by skills that will aid students as they become literate members and active participants of society.  Do all students intend to go to university?  I do not think so.  I suggest that all children can be equipped with tools they will need to succeed in life.  I advocate educational preparations for the life that the student chooses.  Once certain basic knowledge and skills are achieved (literacy, numeracy, citizenship), academic and vocational options are provided as a choice.  I believe this will result in fewer dropouts, higher attendance, better team players, increased desire to learn, greater student respect/dignity, improved creativity, and more prepared citizens.

              The knowledge and skills learned in schools are of little use if unaccompanied by the common values of society.  These community values are an important aspect of being educated.  They typically include: tolerance, respect for others, responsibility, a work ethic, and respect for human rights.  Education fosters the development of open, nonjudgmental minds that seek to understand and be understood.  The new global culture demands this from education.

              I am a teacher of children.  Not just a music teacher, classroom teacher, or administrator.  I help to provide opportunities and options for human lives.  I believe the aim of education is to help children gain knowledge, skills, and values needed to become successful adults in our society.  This aim of education creates opportunities that lead to increases in life choices for all children.