Despite the critique, the United States has one of the best education system in the world, and no, it’s not perfect, and it’s almost impossible to please everyone. You have teachers unions, administrators, school boards, citizens, and you can never keep thirty kids in the classroom happy, quiet, and constantly learning. That’s a lot of minds to keep content. Okay so let’s talk about this because I’ve always believed that education is an important topic at every level of government, especially in your own community.
Most chambers of commerce have education committees, and this is very wise because the business community also has a stake in the education of Americans. After all, what good is a worker if they can’t read, write, or do basic math and can’t even count the change back to customers? Obviously you can see that point. If those who are educated are not productive members of society then we have a severe problem with keeping up in our technical age. Our civilization society cannot survive unless we have a solid school system and we are only as strong as our schools were 20 years the prior.
Now then, let’s talk a little bit about a Chamber of Commerce education committee and exactly who should be on it. Is my contention that large corporations within the district or city or region ought to be involved. Along with librarians, K-12 teachers, college professors, college administrators and even those who are running the Boys and Girls Club for instance. Everyone has a stake, and if the Chamber of Commerce is to get involved in education they need to have the proper input from the right people.
Since education is a community affair, and since chambers are part of the business community and an integral part of jobs and employment, it is critical that everyone work together. The chamber educational committee should be networking with businesses both small and large, and community groups before and after school as well. Chamber of Commerce members should be speaking at K-12 schools, and also involve themselves with the colleges and universities in the area not only for available internships, but also to advise on curriculum.
Why do I say this you ask? It’s simple; the curriculum needs to always be changing because the world is changing. Teaching people cursive writing, how to use a typewriter, an adding machine, or even a cash register doesn’t make a lot of sense. It’s time for the world to move on, and the education system needs to be able to innovate along with it if it is to provide what the community needs in the way of future educated employees. Please consider all this and think on it.