So, Sarah got me thinking this weekend...about public schools compared with private schools. Now, I know I don't have kids, so this is a totally different perspective, but here's my thoughts:
My siblings and I went to public schools K-12. I think we turned out pretty damn good: an engineer, a speech pathologist and a lawyer - not bad at all. My mom still teaches in public schools, and even if she wasn't my mom, I'd still think she was a damn fine teacher. I've watched her. So I KNOW that good things can come out of public schools.
Schools depend on more than just funding from local, state and federal money to be "good schools." And it's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophesy, isn't it. People who would be good parents and be active in their childrens' school don't want to send them to public schools because public schools are bad. But something that helps make schools better is parents being involved. So good parents don't get involved in public schools and the public schools stay bad.
Seriously...I know there are a lot more complex things that play into it...and I know I was raised by a teacher...but I still think education is one of the most important things there is. And it always irks me when I hear old people complain about property taxes, "I don't have kids in school, why should I pay to send kids to school?" and then they complain about kids running around like idiots committing crimes.
Yeah, this is not a really well formed thought, but just what's been running through my head the last few days.
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I'll jump in here and say that 22 years in a public setting has been a great gig for this teacher of young children....and it is something I believe in....although my parents scrimped and saved so my sister and I could go to Catholic schools...I have loved each of the 4 public schools in which I've served those communities well....I worked alongside many wonderful colleagues....but parents should just go with their gut on this...if you have the money for private and you have actually walked into the public schools in your town recently other than to vote....and are not happy with what you see, then go private. If however, you have volunteered in a public school in your neighborhood, read to a child, signed up to be a mentor or a guest speaker, and you like what is going on in that community of learners, then save your hard earned cash for college tuition and support public education...join the PTA or PTO and actually help out a teacher....okay, I'll get off the soap box.
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