Thomas Jefferson Americas Champion of Education - 865 Words

One of Americas champions of education and a clear proponent of the principles of democracy, Thomas Jefferson, thought that until America had universal education it could never endure universal suffrage. Ignorant individuals have no basis in understanding democracy, and are not capable of self-government. However, with the application of education, he believed that the masses could rise to the occasion of good citizenry (Van De Mille). In the United States, free public education is mandated from kindergarten to 12th grade, and education is offered from pre-school to graduate school. Yet the system is in crisis in many ways, among which, recruitment and retention of qualified teachers to lead the necessary changes that will allow students to actualize and become intelligent global citizens. Teachers today face a number of challenges that contribute to a lack of job satisfaction, leaving schools for other professions that are more lucrative, low comparative compensation, and poor working conditions: Low comparative compensation In 1960, Senator John Kennedy remarked that we are a nation that pays its sanitation workers more than its teachers. He realized that without adequate compensation the country could not hope to provide enough well-trained teachers. We are not attracting bring young men and women into teaching because the salaries which we pay our teachers are shamefully low (Kennedy). Over 50 years later this situation has not substantially improved. It is notShow MoreRelatedThomas Jefferson: More than a President Essay1590 Words   |  7 Pagesand women. Prominent among these heroes and heroines is Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Apart from the Declaration, Jefferson accomplished great achievements in his lifetime; our nation would not be the same today without his genius: â€Å"Even among that remarkable group of men known as the Founding Fathers, Jefferson was truly a giant† (Allison 9). Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 to Peter and Jane Jefferson who lived near the Blue Ridge Mountains in colonial AmericaRead Morefamous people1742 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿1 Abraham Lincoln He saved the Union, freed the slaves, and presided over America’s second founding. 2 George Washington He made the United States possible—not only by defeating a king, but by declining to become one himself. 3 Thomas Jefferson The author of the five most important words in American history: â€Å"All men are created equal.† 4 Franklin Delano Roosevelt He said, â€Å"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,† and then he proved it. 5 Alexander Hamilton SoldierRead MoreIs Education A Common Good?1299 Words   |  6 Pagesusually wins. Whether its the most wealth, the most power, the most influence, or when speaking of education, the most opportunity; starting out on top has life altering advantages. Many Americans would argue that Education is a common good, a stepping-stone through which students can make something better of their futures. Therefore, should society set up a system to create winners and losers in education? There are also those who believe that serving children, stakeholders, and our communities canRead MoreEssay Exposing American Myths Today1874 Words   |  8 Pagesall that matters. â€Å"There’s been no harm done, regardless of what their victims think, feel, or say† (538). Patriotism is worldwide and the notion that America is a city on a hill and above all others is illogical. Fredrick Douglass stated that America’s founding fathers â€Å"loved their country better than their own private interests† and â€Å"staked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, on the cause of their country† (526), an uncommon desirable quality not seen in many. However every nationRead MoreThe Massacre of Captain John Gunnison and his Explorers in 18531494 Words   |  6 Pagesconventions to convince Congress that they were the ideal locale. Each city had its national political champion. The rivalries only impeded a final decision, and Congress continued to fiercely debate routes. In 1848, businessmen in St. Louis united and hired former topographical engineer John C. Fremont to find a suitable route from their city to the Pacific. Fremont was also the son-in-law of Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, who strongly supported westward expansion and desperately wanted to believeRead MoreAre Protectionist Policies Beneficiak to Business? Essay10942 Words   |  44 Pagesyears ago, most people, including many Japanese, thought the Japanese car industry simply should not exist. Half a century after the Toyopet debacle, Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus has become an icon of globalisation, thanks to the American journalist Thomas Friedman’s book The Lexus and the Olive Tree. The book owes its title to an epiphany that Friedman had in Japan in 1992. He had paid a visit to a Lexus factory, which deeply impressed him. On the bullet train back to Tokyo, he read yet another newspaperRead MoreSports17369 Words   |  70 PagesEvidence: What kinds of arguments does the author use, and how successfully? Do you think the facts are valid? Are the conclusions under- or overstated, and how do they stand up? 6. Contribution to knowledge: What does this book add to both your education and that of others who might read it? Who might like to read this book? 7. Your evaluation of the book: Was it well written? Well organized? Would you read more books by this author? 8. Overall personal reaction: Was reading this book and writingRead MoreSports17363 Words   |  70 PagesEvidence: What kinds of arguments does the author use, and how successfully? Do you think the facts are valid? Are the conclusions under- or overstated, and how do they stand up? 6. Contribution to knowledge: What does this book add to both your education and that of others who might read it? Who might like to read this book? 7. Your evaluation of the book: Was it well written? Well organized? Would you read more books by this author? 8. Overall personal reaction: Was reading thi s book and writingRead MoreMuseums Essays10752 Words   |  44 Pagescivilizations, and the record of humanity’s artistic, scientific, and technological achievements. Museums collect objects of scientific, aesthetic, or historical importance; care for them; and study, interpret, and exhibit them for the purposes of public education and the advancement of knowledge. There are museums in almost every major city in the world and in many smaller communities as well. Museums  offer  many  benefits to their visitors, their communities, and society as a whole. As educational institutionsRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pages migrant remittances have varied effects. Much of the money sent home then and now has gone toward conspicuous consumption, the support of family, and charity. But a great deal also goes into the purchase of land, small family businesses, the education of children, and other activities with clear connections to production. The economic impact of technological and entrepreneurial practices imported by returnees and of increased family consumption often goes unmentioned because it is difficult