Education Plays a Vital Role

Featured by JC Bowman, posted in Advocacy, JC Bowman, Leadership, Parents, Students, Tennessee Education, Workforce

As residents of Tennessee, every individual has a stake in public education, whether they are students, parents, teachers, taxpayers, or community members. Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of the state, its workforce, and its society as a whole.

Since public education is influenced and governed by public policy decisions made by elected officials, it’s crucial for people to engage in the process if they want to have a say in the direction of education in their state. This involvement can take various forms:

  1. Voting: Participating in local and state elections to choose representatives who will shape education policies.
  2. Advocacy: Contacting elected officials, attending public meetings, and participating in community discussions to voice opinions and concerns about education policies.
  3. Community Engagement: Collaborating with schools, attending parent-teacher association meetings, and joining school improvement committees to contribute to the development of educational initiatives.
  4. Awareness and Education: Staying informed about educational issues, trends, and policies so you can make informed decisions and effectively advocate for change.
  5. Partnerships: Forming partnerships with educators, administrators, and other stakeholders to collectively work towards improving education quality and access.

By actively engaging in these ways, Tennesseans can influence the policies that shape public education, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and aspirations of their communities and supports the growth and development of the state as a whole.

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JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee

Teachers are Unsung Heroes

Featured by JC Bowman, posted in Advocacy, Educators, JC Bowman, Leadership, Professional Educators of Tennessee, Tennessee Education

Effective teachers are the major in-school factor in improving student achievement. Supporting our teachers and leaders from educator preparation programs to the classroom, and through their careers is the only way to achieve success for all students.

The role of teachers in society is profound and multifaceted. They are often the unsung heroes who contribute significantly to the development and progress of individuals and communities. The crucial role of educators is our:

  1. Foundation for Success: Teachers are responsible for imparting the knowledge, skills, and values that enable students to thrive not only within the confines of the classroom but also in their future endeavors. They lay the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning and personal growth.
  2. Guidance and Support: Beyond academics, teachers often serve as mentors and role models for their students. They offer guidance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging, especially during challenging times. Their presence can make a significant difference in students’ lives.
  3. Educational Achievement: Teachers play a pivotal role in raising the academic achievements of their students. Through effective teaching methods, personalized attention, and dedication, educators can help students reach their full potential and excel in their studies.
  4. Community Building: Teachers are integral to building strong communities. They nurture connections among students, families, and the larger community by creating spaces for collaboration, dialogue, and shared experiences.
  5. Going Above and Beyond: Many teachers go above and beyond their job descriptions. They invest extra time and effort to ensure their students succeed, often taking on additional responsibilities and finding creative ways to engage and motivate their students.
  6. Reflection and Appreciation: Recognizing the contributions of teachers and the positive impact on individuals and society is essential. It’s important for students, families, leaders, and communities, to recognize and support their educators in their endeavors.

Educators are instrumental in shaping the present and future of society by nurturing the potential of each individual student and fostering a culture of learning and growth. Tennessee educators’ commitment and dedication contribute to the state’s educational progress and the growth of its future workforce. Their dedication and hard work deserve the highest recognition and appreciation.

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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee

Yes, Your Vote Matters

by JC Bowman, posted in Advocacy, Educators, JC Bowman, Leadership

Not everyone shares the same perspective on every issue concerning politics, policies, social matters, or worldviews. Rather than attempting to stifle political discourse, we should encourage and empower voters to make their own informed decisions. We must have faith in the voters to make educated choices that will help shape a brighter future for our state and nation.

Economic concerns and who you trust to handle the economy are cited as the most significant factors influencing voter sentiment for the 2024 presidential election. Education is a crucial driver of economic growth and prosperity, but that has been lost in the discussion.

Extensive research shows that investing more in education fosters economic development, resulting in higher individual salaries, improved workforce efficiency, and an increased gross domestic product. Evolving party dynamics and changing priorities will shape the electoral landscape. Additionally, crime and health care remain significant issues.

Public education is most effective when accountable to the local community rather than a distant bureaucracy in state capitals or Washington, DC. Since 1965, federal one-size-fits-all mandates have burdened local educators. We need leaders dedicated to educating our children and transforming them into moral, productive, and literate citizens.

One viewpoint criticizes the government and advocates for dismantling public education. Proponents of this perspective argue for a privately managed system that they believe will be more effective. Regardless of individual opinions, polished marketing messages emphasizing opportunity, innovation, and efficiency can be expected. Ultimately, the goal is to eliminate public education, which they perceive as detrimental.

Conversely, another perspective highlights that non-academic skills can significantly impact life outcomes, sometimes even more than academic skills. This does not diminish the essential role of literacy and numeracy education, nor does it lessen the importance of history and science courses; both are critical for informed citizenship and workforce success. However, it’s crucial to recognize that success in various life domains is not solely dictated by a few points on state assessments, which often lack true predictive power.

Under both perspectives, it is imperative that parents and community members have a strong vested interest in the success of the schools, and they must co-own the outcomes that are produced. Parents have the right to know how well their children perform compared to their peers nationwide. In addition, taxpayers who support our public school system have the right to know that any system they fund produces the promised results.

The education reform movement urgently needs reform. It has become disconnected from teachers and no longer prioritizes students. Many reforms lack solid evidence. We must consider teachers’ insights on their development to improve student performance. Raising test scores doesn’t guarantee lifelong success, especially if we ignore essential social and fine motor skills vital for cognitive growth.

Education “reformers” have lost their path because they focus on the wrong ideas in education and lack direct first-hand experience in public education. Opinions disguised with misinterpreted data create a bias that becomes terrible public policy.

Educators recognize that critical thinking, creativity, conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork are essential and should not be overlooked. Research shows that well-rounded individuals pursue personal fulfillment and have greater self-confidence. Education should focus on preparing students for careers and teaching lifelong values, discipline, and independent thinking. Albert Einstein noted, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”

Winston Churchill taught us that “the price of leadership is responsibility.” This is true of leadership everywhere, from the White House to the state house and even the schoolhouse. While educators have been the ones who have borne the crux of education reform efforts, those in the highest offices of our nation’s capital and state capitols are all too often exempt from being held responsible for their actions. That doesn’t seem fair.

Are we using the right metrics for success? How long will education reform continue without accountability? Who do you trust more: a local teacher who works with your child daily or a bunch of non-educators and lobbyists in Nashville or Washington, D.C.?  Yes, your vote matters. 

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JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee

School Resource Officers Make a Difference

by JC Bowman, posted in Advocacy, Professional Educators of Tennessee, Students, Uncategorized

School Resource Officers (SROs) play a crucial role in promoting safety and a positive learning environment in schools. They contribute to the safe-schools team in several ways:

  1. Ensuring Campus Safety: SROs help maintain a safe and secure campus by actively patrolling the school grounds, monitoring for potential threats, and responding to any incidents promptly. Their presence can act as a deterrent to unlawful activities.
  2. Educating Students about Law-Related Topics: SROs often engage with students through classroom presentations, workshops, and discussions on law-related topics. This educational aspect helps students understand the importance of following laws and making informed decisions.
  3. Mentoring and Advising: SROs serve as informal mentors and advisers to students. They build positive relationships and provide guidance to help students make better choices, resolve conflicts, and navigate challenges they may face both inside and outside of school.
  4. Role Models: SROs can serve as role models for students, demonstrating the qualities of responsibility, integrity, and community engagement. Their presence fosters a sense of trust and respect between law enforcement and the school community.

Overall, SROs contribute to creating a safer, more informed, and supportive school environment that benefits both students and the broader school community.

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JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee

The Impact of Continuous Change in Education Policy

by JC Bowman, posted in JC Bowman, Leadership, Legislation, Professional Educators of Tennessee, Uncategorized

The impact of continuous changes in education policies on public education can be both positive and negative, depending on various factors including the nature of the changes, the implementation process, and the overall educational context. Let’s explore both sides of this issue:

Positive Aspects:

  1. Adaptation to New Challenges: Continuous changes in education policies can help public education systems adapt to evolving societal and technological trends. This can ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
  2. Innovation and Improvement: Frequent policy changes can encourage educational institutions to innovate and improve their teaching methods, curriculum, and overall quality. This can lead to better outcomes for students and increased competitiveness of the education system.
  3. Addressing Inequities: Policy changes can be used to address existing inequalities in public education, by targeting underserved communities, providing resources, and implementing measures to ensure equal access to quality education.

Negative Aspects:

  1. Disruption: Continuous changes can lead to disruptions in the teaching-learning process. Teachers and students may struggle to adapt to new policies, leading to confusion and potentially hindering effective education delivery.
  2. Lack of Implementation Time: Rapid policy changes may not allow sufficient time for schools and educators to fully understand and implement the new measures effectively. This can result in inadequate implementation and potential negative consequences.
  3. Resource Drain: Frequent changes in policies can divert resources and attention away from core educational activities. Schools may need to allocate significant time and effort to adjust to new policies, which could impact their ability to focus on student learning.
  4. Inconsistency: Continual policy shifts can lead to inconsistency in education quality, standards, and assessments. This can undermine the credibility of the education system and hinder students’ preparedness for higher education or the workforce.
  5. Teacher Morale: Rapid policy changes can lead to teacher burnout and decreased morale. Teachers may feel overwhelmed by the constant need to adjust their teaching methods, materials, and assessments.

Balancing Act:

The key to a successful education policy framework lies in finding a balance between stability and adaptability. Periodic updates to policies that are well-researched, thoughtfully planned, and effectively communicated can provide the benefits of adaptation without causing unnecessary disruption. Additionally, involving educators, administrators, parents, and students in the policy-making process can lead to more informed and sustainable changes.

Ultimately, whether continuous changes in education policies hurt public education or not depends on how these changes are designed, implemented, and aligned with the broader educational goals of a society.

Let’s Be Number One In Public Education

by JC Bowman, posted in JC Bowman

State Rep. Scott Cepicky frequently asks a compelling question: Why can’t Tennessee be the number one state in the nation for public education? Great question. Why can’t we be number one in education in the nation?

So many “education reformers” cling to the industrial age model of education. We need to use our imagination and start thinking about out-of-the-box solutions. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that the speed and urgency we have used to fight this pandemic proves we can tackle even the most challenging issues when we focus as a society. There is never an easy solution for problems in education, but we have to get the fundamentals right. Albert Einstein said, “Problems can’t be solved with the same consciousness that created them.”

Viable public education is critical for a strong economy. Educators are the frontline of those efforts. Educators are the ones who must enact education policies. Too many of our teachers suffer from top-down management structures and lack of reward, and many have reached an apparent career plateau and become susceptible to a loss of creativity and drive. We cannot allow that to happen.

Yet, according to most economists and policy wonks, we do not pay commensurate salaries to get and keep the best and brightest in our classrooms. Educators have to move up to administrative positions to get bigger salaries. Sometimes the skills that made them an excellent teacher fail to translate into an administrative role. So let’s make Tennessee the number one state in America in which to TEACH. Governor Lee pledged to raise educator salaries. That was derailed last year due to the pandemic. We expect this year there will be at least a salary increase for all educators.  

Some other ideas include investing in high-quality induction and mentoring programs for our younger teachers. We must examine this process carefully if we want to keep our new teachers. We could provide student loan reimbursements, prioritizing educators in high-poverty schools, or critical shortage areas. The state needs to better work with and leverage school districts and statewide teacher associations to develop ongoing professional learning for emerging and experienced school leaders to better support school staff and their work. If we can do those things, we can attract and retain high-quality educators. We also need to take care of our support staff and give them salary increases, opportunities, and training.

Educators are not the only ones stuck in a system that is slow to change; students and parents get trapped as well. We must get our parents engaged in the education of their children. It is the critical piece that is often missing. Education law and policies must be written simply, clearly, and concisely, with the required degree of precision, and as much as possible in ordinary language. We need to remove the often-incoherent education terminology. This will help policymakers and stakeholders alike as we move forward.

During the upcoming special session, the state is going to address the problem of too many kids falling through the cracks, and afterward pushed through the system, unprepared for the next grade or life. We have had a sudden awakening of “learning loss” which is not a new phenomenon. It is hard to define, and even harder to explain. Are students who are not making adequate progress losing learning? Yes indeed. Our state will take aggressive measures to stem that tide, but this is not a short-term, pandemic-driven issue—it is part of a long-term systemic problem. So, if we couch it in a vague term such as “learning loss” and provide tutoring, summer school, and other supports, then it is welcome.

It also identifies another challenge of how we engage parents. Parental involvement is not a clearly or consistently defined term. Parental engagement is a better phrase. All students need a supportive home learning environment, and we must focus on how families can build on what they are learning in the classroom. The state is going to require districts to submit a phonics-based literacy plan for students, as part of their literacy efforts. We would argue that getting the parents involved in the education of their children is critical and districts should also include how they plan to engage parents in this process. Better communication with parents is always a win-win for districts, teachers, parents, and students.  

We must improve digital access statewide, in both our urban and rural communities. David Talbot writes in “The Hole in the Digital Economy,” the poorest people, who might benefit most from Internet access, are often the least likely to have it. It’s not just an economic issue, it is an access issue in Tennessee. Integrating technology benefits education. However, all citizens need digital access for personal and business purposes.

These ideas and strategies are to help strengthen our public education system. In the span of one generation, South Korea moved from a nation that educated less than a quarter of its citizens through high school to one that now ranks third in the world in college-educated adults. Why can’t Tennessee be the number one state in the nation for public education? We can! If it is important to us, we will find a way. If not, we will find an excuse.

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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee

Thanksgiving Blessings to You

by JC Bowman, posted in JC Bowman

Do we need a holiday to be thankful? Probably not. However, this year has been tough for so many people, and circumstances have been tremendously difficult. Even so, we all have much to be thankful for as individuals, as a state, and as a nation. Celebrating Thanksgiving is one manner of telling the world that God is bigger than our problems.

Since the first settlement, Americans continued the custom of establishing days of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving. This could be annually or in response to significant events. Traditionally, educators and historians recognize the “first” Thanksgiving as occurring at the Plymouth colony in the autumn of 1621. 

President George Washington issued a proclamation designating November 26 of that year as a national day of Thanksgiving in 1789. The purpose was to recognize the role of providence in creating the new United States and the new federal Constitution. Washington stated in the first Thanksgiving proclamation that “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Later presidents, including John Adams and James Madison, also declared days of thanksgiving. Following those actions, President Abraham Lincoln took steps to designate a more permanent observance of Thanksgiving. With few exceptions, Lincoln’s example was pretty much kept by every subsequent president–until President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1941, President Roosevelt officially established the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

President John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to remember the true origins and reasons for Thanksgiving. He also asked Americans to give thanks to those in our past who both fought for and gave us our ideals and values. He wrote in his Thanksgiving Day Proclamation before he was assassinated, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” Kennedy wanted Americans to be thankful for the intrinsic things that we have. We have gifts, like hope and love, that are can only be destroyed if we allow it. Kennedy wrote: “We recognize too that we live in a world of peril and change–and in so uncertain a time we are all the more grateful for the indestructible gifts of hope and love, which sustain us in adversity and inspire us to labor unceasingly for a more perfect community within this nation and around the earth.” Kennedy challenged us to be mindful of those who have less than us and to strive towards a better world not just for us but for all of humanity.

President Reagan gave America eight Thanksgiving Day proclamations from 1981 through 1988. His Thanksgiving themes almost always expressed our need to show gratitude for family, friends, and good fortune. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the founding of our nation, the principles and ideals it stands for, and the ongoing need for citizens to give back to the community and country to uphold that vision. In 1985, President Reagan eloquently reminded us, “My fellow Americans, let us keep this Thanksgiving Day sacred,” urging Americans to thank God for the “bounty and goodness of our nation.” He then added, “And as a measure of our gratitude, let us rededicate ourselves to the preservation of this: the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Nobody can dispute the difficulty many Americans faced in 2020. Thanksgiving is just one day set aside that allows us to take a moment to reflect on the things for which we are the most grateful. This Thanksgiving we should be thankful for both the small and large blessings in our lives. And just as in years past, we should seek with grateful hearts the political, moral, and intellectual blessings that make self-government possible. However, we must recognize what is truly essential: faith, family, and friends. Embrace others and treat everybody with dignity and respect. If you want to touch the heart of God, take an interest in the things that interests God. Let God love others through you.

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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

We Need Innovators, Not Disruptors, in Education

by JC Bowman, posted in Advocacy, Tennessee Education

Educators have to constantly fight against false premises that our public schools are failing, that educators are the problem, and that outsiders (usually non-educators) should take control of running our schools.

Harvard professor and businessman Clayton Christensen wrote The Innovator’s Dilemma in 1997. In the book, Christensen put forth a notion of “disruptive innovation” as a concept for business theory. Christensen’s theory is based on buying decisions made by businesses, not consumers according to Ben Thompson, a critic of this particular business theory.

Disruption is built on two varieties: low-end disruption and new-market disruption. The essential difference between the two is that low-end disruption focuses on overserved customers, whereas new-market disruption focuses on underserved customers. When it comes to government programs, such as public education, for example, every child is made to conform to the existing business model. When in fact, they may fall within both types of disruption. As we have seen, new technologies to assist educators have been neglected, and our state needs greater access to broadband for communities and schools. Granted, we are making a rushed effort to make adjustments, but during hurried efforts, mistakes are frequently made.

Tony Robbins clarified, “His theory worked to explain how small companies with minimal resources were able to enter a market and displace the established system.” Robbins added, “like most buzzwords, the term quickly took on a life of its own. Suddenly everyone in the workforce was ‘disruptive’ and/or ‘innovative.’” Education is the same way. We welcomed people who were out-of-the-box thinkers or had a business background. However, education is not always a precise science. In business, the bottom line is selling a good or service. In education, that good is someone’s child.

Mark Zuckerberg is famous for telling his Facebook development team, “Move fast and break things.” Phil Lewis in Forbes magazine asked the key questions about the concept of moving fast and breaking things. “What is it acceptable to break? Why? And under what circumstances?” The answers to those questions are critical. In education, moving fast may not always be the best interest of children. You may fix one thing and break three.

For example, in high school, we got a new principal. He believed that by cutting time between classes we could add to the instructional schedule. We went from 5 minutes to 4 minutes. That meant we could add an extra minute to every class. What did that do? It also angered students and teachers. It forced students in our very large high school to forgo a bathroom break, get to class, and then get permission to be excused to go to the bathroom. Rather than add time to class it took away time from class time. The goal may have been well-intentioned, but the end results were predictable. We changed back very quickly. So much for disruption.

Too many people simply bought into the jargon fostered by disruption innovation. They are so enthralled by breaking the rules of the game that they forget what game they are even playing, thus changing the objective of their particular business. Robbins points out that Christensen himself was so troubled with the misuse of his theory that he published a 2015 update in the Harvard Business Review on what the term “business disruption” really should encompass.

Every single attribute of business simply cannot be documented and measured. Lewis points out that “innovation is ultimately a human enterprise, to do with our ability to inspire each other, think creatively and collaborate.” We do not need disruption in education, as much as we need innovation. Education is a pathway to the future. It provides a foundation for life.

In public education we are succeeding, despite the challenges we face. Schools alone can never be fully responsible for the outcomes that our students achieve. Educators are the key to solutions that schools face, but they need more assistance to confront the serious societal problems. We must ask ourselves frequently: What kind of state or community do I want to live in, work in, and raise my family in? What kind of schools do we need? We need more innovators and fewer disrupters.

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JC Bowman is executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee

On Being Transparent

by JC Bowman, posted in JC Bowman

catching the train

It was Willie Nelson in “A Song for You” that talks about the price of fame.  Keep in mind, I am neither famous or wealthy, but I have always lived my life in the public eye.  So, people have watched me grow up and now I am growing old.  What have I learned? A lot.  I also have come to understand that the world is a cruel place filled with many good people.   Besides, there is evil out there.

I accept that countries lie to their citizens and that we are, regrettably, governed by men and women who are sometimes corrupt. That is undesirable, but it is a fact of life. Often choices made by the government are not between good and bad, but between bad and worse. We have done exactly what George Washington warned us against by embracing entangling alliances. We have largely abandoned our Judeo-Christian heritage, in fear of lawsuits and in the name of inclusion. However, we still have the rule of law, right?

I am reminded of Robert Kennedy’s speech in which he was discussing the law. He said about the law: ‘The road ahead is full of difficulties and discomforts. But as for me, I welcome the challenge. I welcome the opportunity, and I pledge to you my best effort — all I have in material things and physical strength and spirit to see that freedom shall advance and that our children will grow old under the rule of law.’

People of reason can disagree with issues and have civil discourse. ‘Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts,’ according to the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Who also reminded us that culture, not politics, determines the success of society. Respect of our fellow human beings is the core outgrowth of a nation committed under a rule of law. It is our shared history in America and one in which we must be personally committed to following. That is the real lesson to teach. If we fail to pass that to the next generation, freedom, the political process, civil liberties, individual rights, and media independence will be lost to the dustbin of history and no longer tolerated.

Because I live my life transparently and almost all details of my life are readily accessible online, I have been subject to false allegations, being misquoted, words twisted or taken out of context and verbally attacked consistently.  I have even received death threats, even though I did not take them seriously.  Chances are if you post online or have any type of social media presence or operate in the public eye any of this can happen to you as well.  If you think someone has committed a crime, you should report that to law enforcement.

As any lawyer will tell you, an accusation of criminal conduct is presumed to be defamatory.  And if so, it is likely actionable.  Many times, they hide behind false identities or even fake online names and pseudonyms.  You should consider alerting law enforcement if serious and consult with an attorney.  Law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, can unmask these identities, even if the perpetrator resides in a foreign country or uses an email provider located in a foreign country. Law enforcement is trained professionals who know how to handle these situations and what type of evidence will be required to persecute.  Finding and punishing wrongdoers is why we have law enforcement.  Call them first.

Sunlight, as the old saying goes, is the best disinfectant. I will continue to live my life in the open, willing to be subject to being misquoted and taken out of context.  Why?  Because I think most people are still basically good.  I may be naïve.  However, it is a risk worth taking—especially if you have nothing to hide.

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JC Bowman is executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville.