By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
The United States has made improvements in its educational system, but we still have much to achieve if we want to have the best system in the world. A 2012 report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a global think tank, rated the American system of education average. This is alarming and unacceptable. We can begin improving our status by robustly investing in our educators.
Teachers are the backbone of our school system, and it is imperative that we provide them with the tools they need to train tomorrow’s leaders. We need to bring technology giants like Apple, and Microsoft to the table to discuss ways to inspire students and assist educators.
Microsoft has created the Partners in Learning Network, allowing teaching professionals with common interests to share experiences. Apple has created software that engages students with content from textbooks in interactive ways using iPads. Schools should vigorously recruit science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals so that students can receive hands on experiences in these fields.
Texas Instruments and other corporations have invested in the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, located in the 30th Congressional district. Townview has consistently been ranked among the top three high schools in the country during the past seven years.
As the Ranking Member on the House Committee for Science, Space and Technology, I work diligently to break economic barriers and ensure that teachers and students have equal access and opportunities to pursue careers in STEM fields. In 2007 I supported the America Competes Act because it contained many provisions that strengthened diversity in our nation’s scientific community.
I advocated for the creation of the Noyce Teaching Program which provides scholarships to undergraduate students in STEM fields who want to become teachers. Programs like Noyce are essential to training educators to properly teach our nation’s students. Without adequate training, we are creating an environment in which our teachers and students will fail.
Now is the time to reevaluate and restructure how we prepare teachers for our classrooms. We need qualified instructors that will produce the next Bill Gates and Mae Jemisons. All of us must work diligently to create a better system. The future is dependent upon our taking action now!
