Will We Really/Yes We Will Petition Campaign Feedback

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 6, 2009 at 10:16pm

Hey everyone,

As the central organizer of this campaign, I have the privilege of reviewing the day's personal comments on our petition (if you haven't signed yet, visit www.willwereally.com). Here's what people around the country are saying:

I support you guys!!!

Yes We Will!

I am ready to work.

Education is both the economic and ethical future of our country. Don't forget that the majority of our public school districts are not the large, urban centers, but are the small, bedrock communities of America. Please support all of us.
Our children are our future and a blessed gift from God so please remember them as you look at education funding.
Please remember that America's future depends on the vitality of its youth. We must invest in the education of our children in order to reap the benefits as a country.

On behalf of our children, major reform is needed in our public schools.Good ideas, funding, and courage are badly needed.

Please don't forget about the importance of early childhood education.

We need your support and a change to NCLB.

As a teacher I believe in our youth. I know that you do as well. Thank you for all you are doing to help our next generation be the best America can offer.

I hope teacher support means rewarding the good ones and tossing the worst...go get 'em.

Education is the answer to many of our economic and societal problems. Let's build a strong foundation of educated citizens who will learn from history and make a better nation!

Our district is in financial jeopardy. We are reducing staff, and programs. We need help.

we can and we should.

We have a chance to do this right. We know how--now let's do it!

Thank you.

We need to build education as a public resource, rather than turning it into a private good, which is a troubling shift that has been taking place. Public education that is well-supported, perhaps more than anything else, has the capacity to equip and empower a thoughtful diverse public that can help this nation live up to its moral ideals.

Education is vital in our society. We need to give everything we can for the children who are in schools and will be going to school. I think there should be something to force kids to graduate, maybe it would drop some statistics.

It would be great if leaders would articulate how a strong public education system effects the current crises that occupy so much of our attention. I think public schools are far more worthy of 700 billion dollars than banks or auto companies, and would be long term solutions rather than the hot button reactions we have seen so often of late. Education is the foundation of our society. That needs to be more than just an applause line during the inauguration address.

Thank you for giving hope to the young people of our country! We will achieve these goals with a united effort!

Attend to the voices of classroom teachers. Move the burdens and limits of NCLB off teachers.

As still another core principle I would add that public eduction must play a key role in teaching the values, behaviors, and lifestyles required for a sustainable future as described by the U.N. Decade for Education for Sustainable Development.

Mr. President, we have high hopes that your administration will re-direct the national education agenda toward dramatically improving the quality of teaching and learning. Professional educators, education researchers, parents and students have been out of the loop while a corporate reform agenda emphasizing narrow metrics that can easily be measured has been the only voice heard. Business practices that ruined the financial sector threaten to ruin public education as well. We need you to stand on principle and for professionalism in public education. We worked very hard for your election and need for you to be bold in the public education arena. Teachers and teacher unions are not the enemy. Help them to come to the table to design the right kind of reforms. The status quo in misguided reform is not OK. Setting it right needs to be one of your highest priorities for action in the first 100 days.

For many of our inner city children, a good education is the only hope they have. We will not survive as a nation without giving our children the hope they need to overcome all the adversity that comes poverty. A good education is what gave me hope.

I would urge the new administration to move beyond the emphasis on test scores, and focus on the need to renew the civic mission of schools: The need to develop strong civic character in young people, helping them to be engaged and ethical citizens in our democracy. Charles Haynes

Let's put our children first to educate them for the future. Less testing and more teaching would be a start

We need to move beyond the tired ideas of simple test-based accountability to what John Goodlad has described as an ecology of accountability, deepening our conversation about what really matters in educating our young people for democratic agency and citizenship. Will we?

It will be a daunting yet not impossible challenge to respond to the complexities of the "achievement gap." ASCD 's Whole Child movement has researched these complexities and is lobbying for all schools to ensure that all students are safe, engaged, healthy, challenged, and supported. Education needs a movement of it's own to fulfill with President-Elect Obama his hopes for all students!

Technology, accountability. teacher rewards not automatic teacher tenure, equipping our students to be world-ready/world competitive, anti-bullying campaigns and safety always- what all of our schools need.

Please, please don't forget our future which is in our public schools. I have given 32 years of my professoonal career to this battle and will until I can no more fight for my kids. I hope you will too.

When discussing the budget cuts in the Amherst area schools I have heard the phrase ¿Art is always the first to go¿ countless times. It is often stated with the sad, wistful tone of conventional wisdom, and with the certainty of common knowledge, often followed by ¿it¿s a shame¿.

The visual art program makes the schools look good. It makes the students feel good and it makes the families feel welcome and affirmed in our learning communities. That could be reason enough to keep the Amherst art program pulsating and growing. However, looking good and feeling good are side effects of what has been, until now, a quality art education program. While making and displaying art are the activities through which the public perceives the art curriculum, I ask the readers to enter the multiple dimensions of art education in Amherst and add meaning to that common phrase: the first to go. For example, when considering the cognitive development that visual art promotes, we might say, It's a shame, critical thinking is always the first to go.

When students demonstrate their academic understandings and philosophical questions in visual forms through painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramic pottery, stained glass, technological media, photography, mixed media, and more, we might say, It's a shame, learning that expression is dynamic and full of nuance is always the first to go.

When peering into the art room in any K-12 Amherst area art class we see students working together in a common visual language. We see English language learners, a broad range of academic achievers, students receiving special education support, some new to this country and others several generations Amherst-born, some children of domestic laborers, college professors and trades people. We might say, It's a shame, developing emotional and intellectual understanding across social groups is always the first to go.

When we hear Amherst youth discussing the impact of popular culture in their art classrooms, learning that most social scientists agree that children are reading more visual imagery than text-based communication, while cultivating consciousness in surfing web pages, clicking on pop-ups, reading magazine ads, studying television production, creating video, examining billboards, walking through shopping mall design we might say, It's a shame, critiquing the meaning of our visual environment, is always the first to go.

When perusing the art curriculum we would see traditional works of art, indigenous arts, family photographs, media coverage of current events and more. As students develop knowledge across the history of countries, cultures and subcultures on human concerns that span beauty, violence, science and humanity, we may say, It's a shame, being a socially conscious, politically active citizen is always the first to go.

While reviewing recent national educational research, we would learn of academic achievement related to the arts, with an especially significant impact on student populations who come from economically disadvantaged families, drop out rates decreasing and test scores soaring. The National Latino/a Education Research and Policy Project and AERA's Commission on Research in Black Education document participation in the arts as central to increased achievement. College admissions rates also increase when students have a strong arts curriculum, regardless of the prospective college major. Perhaps we would we say, It's a shame, our commitment to equal education in a democracy is always the first to go.

The presence of a vibrant visual art curriculum is a symbol of the excellence and health of the overall school system and district curriculum. The loss of 40% of secondary art teacher positions in the Amherst Regional schools over the past 3 years and a reduction of the art teacher staffing in the Amherst elementary schools eliminates a great deal of curriculum; it illustrates the serious blow the school system is suffering under these budget cuts. In all grades and all subject areas, class sizes are increasing, support staff is being reduced or eliminated. Students will suffer in every curriculum area. This did not happen overnight and the Amherst community needs to develop a pro-active stance for change. Such a stance requires honestly confronting the ugly realities about making such dramatic reductions in art curriculum.

With vision, courage and a politically active stance we need to confront the policies of No Child Left Behind that are driving the national public school system into a privatized enterprise. Action requires targeting misinformed legislators about the negligence of the state and the under-funding of our public schools. Imagine telling them, It's a shame the over-use and exorbitant cost of standardized testing is always the first to go.

Amherst needs to take notice, take heed and take action. If the visual art program has been a symbol of the overall excellence and health of the Amherst district, it is in critical condition. That is truly shameful.

NCLB is not working. We need a new approach to improving schools, one that is positive rather than punative, focused on the whole child rather than a narrow band of knowledge, and supports teacher and administrator leadership.

Education is our future.

We cannot let this golden opportunity pass. Yes, we will!

For all the talk of change, the cabinet picks and approach to rescuing business look way too much like how it has been.
Education is not only taking a back seat, but we are still talking tests and business models when we should be focused on raising healthy children. Education is an essential aspect of raising healthy children.

At this juncture in time the future of public education is critical to the success of all of our young people and the country as a whole. I am committed to helping make this democratic experience of strong public schools a reality. How can I help you do the same?

I believe you can make a difference. Please use successful teachers to help you make decisions. We know what can help make the difference. This is the most important issue that can impact our country's future. We have hope - please keep that alive.

Great video message. I hope with future messages the the link between education and the future of our democracy; the need for a well educated citizenry working on behalf of their communities might be emphasized even more. Thanks.

My stomach heaved as I listened to (reactionary) NPR's report from *Cokey* Roberts (a member of the American political aristocracy and royal elites, for sure) this morning on recent Obama news while she waxed on and on concerning the various school *reform* agents and *school chiefs* from big city enterprises busying themselves about the *reform* of the American Curriculum...all the corporate apologists were given their fair share of the accolades and the promise they offer schools...not a word concerning *corporate* hidden agendas, of course.

Quoting from Gerald Bracey's EDDRA list (http://www.america-tomorrow.com/bracey/EDDRA/): "The mainstream media have labeled the standards-and testing schooling folks such as Klein and Rhee reformers. To reform means to make better by removal of faults or errors. These people are not reformers in any meaningful sense of this word. What they are is reactionaries.

One of the most powerful inventions in the history of production was the early 20th century efficiency movement ala Frederick Winslow Taylor and others. It did wonders in the production of material goods, so much so that John Watson and his colleagues had to apply what they knew about behaviorism to create the technologies of mass media advertising - to get Americans to abandon frugality and buy all the stuff that was being manufactured.

The usual suspects - corporate leaders, politicians, and their educational acolytes - sought to apply the industrial paradigm of the efficiency movement to schooling during the first three decades of the 20th century. (This is why so many high schools that were built from 1910-1930 in working class communities were intentionally built to look like factories.) But there was enormous resistance from teachers and parents, and it was enacted unevenly. For example, for most of the 20th century only New York, the state whose government was most centralized and most controlled by corporate interests, had state tests.

The standards-and-testing movement of the 1990s to the present is an effort by the same kind of people¿corporate leaders, politicians, and their educational acolytes - to finish what their predecessors started, even though the efficiency movement's methods of alienating labor from meaning have been abandoned by many leading edge corporations. See the entire Japanese auto industry, for example, or much of the high tech sector in the US.

The correct label for these folks who want to run the whole schooling project in terms of test score production is REACTIONARIES. A reactionary advocates the return to a prior system.

These folks such as Rhee and Klein and Lou Gerstner et al seem to be so ignorant of the history of schooling in America that they don¿t even know that their program is reactionary¿and of course, the media are as or more ignorant¿which is why those of us who know the history need to call these folks ¿reactionaries¿ in every possible context, even column, even email to media, etc.""

Now, IF you can't get the history right, speak or write using well-defined terms, nor think using clear and distinct ideas, how in the world will we expect anything BUT propaganda and hidden agendas to overtake the tone, content and direction of the current discourse?

From a quite disgusted NYS math teacher and curriculum developer who has spent a lifetime *curbside* working reform from an action research agenda...we are in wayyyyyy past our necks in this mess!!! ;-} rap. "

This is just amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

Cultivate and husband our schools rather than force feeding and depleting them. See them as organisms not machines. Seek health instead of prescribed yield. Lead us not into exploitation and deliver us from the tyranny of remote control.

Stay strong in ensuring a solid education for all Americans, through public education.

There is nothing more important than providing an education that leads both to opportunity and to a critically thoughtful electorate. We much prepare each and every child for democracy

President-Elect Obama,

We urge you to stand behind your campaign pledge and implement a broad-based program that includes support for schools, teachers, children and families." As a teacher, I am concerned about the future of our children, and about the teaching profession. We need more young people who are passionate about wanting to teach children. It is not an easy job, but it is an important job. Help us to earn the respect that we deserve.

I am a lower school science teacher in a private school. I have taught in public schools, and believe strongly in them, but have ended up in a private school because here I work with passionate colleagues and we are able to teach students in a constructive manner that fosters enthusiasm for learning and reflective citizenship. I hope all schools can foster the same love for learning that I see at every day at my school. I am eager to help our educational system move away from fear of testing to eager inquiry and love of learning. Everything to help and nothing to hinder.

I support making every school a good school for all children no matter where they live! I am hopeful that Federal and State governments will support excellent teaching!

Schools need to be more about students and their learning than they are about test scores. We need to get back to the 3 R's (relationships, rigor and relevance). Let us make our democracy stronger by focusing on the relevance and potential of EACH student!

PUBLIC educations is not one and the same thing with DISTRICT-BASED, we-choose-your-school- you-don't education. Choice and good public charters need to be part of the mix.

We must make teachers the leaders in determining how we provide and assess the education we provide to our students.

Our current economic situation demonstrates that reliance on profit motive, individual action, and a lack of broad-based involvement does not lead to good long range planning for the larger good.

While good management skill is necessary in education, it is not sufficent to map a successful long range plan for public schools.

From the very top of our educational institution to the contact point with students in a public school, teachers must be the leaders of the movement, supported by opportunities and the requirement for continuous professional improvement, the opportunity to provide leadership without having to leave the classroom, and financial reward commensurate with the pivotal nature of the complex and multifaceted work they undertake."

Yes, I believe you will be able to lead us to a better future.

We are hopeful that your education actions will keep pace with your promises. We are keeping a close watch and remain hopeful.

Take care of kids. Fund schools and education. If we can spend 10 billion dollars a month on war, surely we can find a way to offer peace in the world and take care of OUR kids!!! Yes, I will, be watching and listening! Take my hard earned money to take care of kids. They will be the ones taking care of us. Leave a legacy, invest in EDUCATION.

I will do my part, as a teacher educator, to prepare future teachers to address these concerns. Please back us up with support from your office and your cabinet. Teachers are losing ground in preparing well-rounded, well-informed future citizens of our democracy due to the emphasis on standardized testing. Knowledge of our world is being sacrificed for knowledge of how to pass a test on a narrow topic. We need to put much more emphasis on social studies and on creative thinking. We must also remember that a standardized test is not an appropriate assessment for all learners. They are multi-faceted individuals who deserve multiple ways to show what they understand.

Thank you!

You have my full support, and my commitment to help however I can.

An excellent education that promotes critical thinking, full realization of an individual's abilities and interests, and active participation in civil society is essential for the health and future of our nation. I call on you to bring into your administration and support those education leaders who understand this and who will move us away from the simplistic, formulaic approaches that are in place right now.

Children are more than test scores and they are more than widgets to be turned out by education factories. The U.S. has always been a leader because of innovative thinking. Please don't corporatize our public schools. Please provide our children with the skills they will need to be critically thinking. participating citizens and parents and workers. Please give our children a well rounded education filled with music and art. They are our future and deserve nothing less.

Children represent the future and we must continue to find ways to equalize opportunities to provide quality education for every student. As a principal at a middle school, I daily see the dedicated efforts of teachers, the harsh realities that students survive, and the dreams that we need to keep doing more. When I visit schools in wealthy districts and note the technology and resources available, I know that all children are not being prepared equally to enter the workworld of the future. We do the best we can, but we look to you and your administration to move the hope and change you have inspired to reality even for us.

In order to see these goals to fruition, we must stop wasting our resources on destructive endeavors like war, and invest those resources, both human and financial, in the children and communities in which we live.

The most important infrastructure we can build is the intellectual, social, and human capital of our children! Yes, we will!

The data is in on NCLB. The achievement gap is not closing, and in 2013 the gap will be wider than it ever was before. Spending on standardized tests and package reading curriculums has done little to increase the reading comprehension of America¿s children. The reality is it has actually help to turn children off to reading. It is time to spend the money on resources that provide actual services to children in schools. Any nation that measures the achievement of its children solely on standardized assessments fails to see the true potential of their future.

I call you to action and to hope and to your responsibility to prioritize Education and children in your work for positive change.

Our children are our future, let us invest in it by investing in education.

Let our voices be heard!

No Child Left Behind has rendered both students and teachers impotent while lining the pockets of educational publishers and lobbyists. PLEASE work with educators to provide more time for teaching (instead of more time for testing and preparing for the discrete skills assessed on tests) and to help us train teachers who exhibit both intercultural competence AND culturally responsive teaching practices. I would be quite willing to help with this! Dr. Nancy Ryan, Associate Professor, Bethel College, Mishawaka, IN

President-Elect Obama - Please follow through on your commitment to Geoffrey Canada, continue to listen to Linda Darling-Hammond and those of us who know the power of small schools to transform education, and abolish or completing re-do NCLB. - In Peace, Dave Lehman

Let's continue to make the change real. This is a new day with new possibilities. Let's not waste it, look out for all not just the few that have already. Let's reach out for all especially those that need the help not because of a lack of determination or lack of good character or lack of willpower but lack of a real equal chance. Yes I will, will you?

"We, at the Ohio Mathematics and Science Coalition look forward to working with you in aligning efforts to strengthen the mathematics, science and technology education system for all children. George Viebranz, Executive Director"

Investment in quality early education and care is the wisest investment of the education dollars.

I would like the Obama administration to consider letting NCLB expire and craft completely new national education legislation focusing on equalizing the support of public schools in poor communities and improving the climate for profound educational options.

I promise to continue my work at www.SEEdebate.org, providing teachers and students with free and dynamic curriculum and teaching tools.

"And every child deserves the opportunity to connect their learning to the society within which they live; a connection essential to this experiment we call democracy.

A connection that the current form and structure of our system of education has broken."

I have great hope for you and your Presidency. I know you will make education a priority.

Will schools fall into your category of rebuilding America's infrustructure? Hopefully, yes it will! Thanks you. david Larson

We need to support public schools, not waste money on private voucher schools as we have in Milwaukee. The voucher schools are not accountable, do educate special needs children, and do offer due process for the students who they regularly kick out of their schools.

Change must happen along the lines of the Ten Common Principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools. It must be based on research about how learning occurs. It must include removal of testing mania and develop performance-based assessments. It must include overall higher salaries for well trained and supported teachers, not bonuses for increased test-scores. It must include repairing and/or replacing old schools. It must include developing partnerships with unions, not their elimination.

I teach at a school in a group home for trouble youth. We need far more help and understanding for special needs students. We also need to be meeting more basic needs of these children than just those which can be "tested".

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 6, 2009 at 10:17pm

To whom much is given much is required. We are in a position to give much more to those children who have either been silenced, excluded or cast out. Lest we not forget to include the voices of change in our education al mission: the children.

I could not agree more that these are the principles that the new administration should endorse if we are to be able to meet the educational goals that insures the future of our democracy. The accomplished teachers with whom I work shared many of the sentiments that were expressed in this video immediately after the election. However, in conversations with some of them recently a note of apprehension has crept into their collective voice. The reason for their pause is based on concerns that the voices of those most knowledgeable about the realities of schools, teachers,and students may not be included in the discourse in Washington. This is a fear built on the legacy of the policies of the last eight years that have effectively worked to blame teachers for all that is wrong with schools and discounted expertise in favor of solutions that promote superficial outcomes and mask many real problems. It seems to have continued as part of the decision-making process in the selection of the new Education secretary. We find ourselves holding our breath, reserving judgment, and clinging to the hope that we really will see and be part of change.

Nothing in a democracy is more important than its people. Education is the best hope for the people. Support our democracy by supporting education.

get rid of NCLB--bs

As a high school director, We need everyone to change what our schools are! Our young people deserve more, and better education. We are not in the 19th century anymore and our schools need to be brought into the 21st Century.

We can't have a democracy if we don't educate with that end in mind. You have the opportunity to support and empower teachers and students across the country. Please do so by replacing NCLB with any number of curricular reforms more suited to life, liberty, integrity, and happiness.

Importantly, if we don't do something about macroeconomic issues, the changes we make in our schools will be, for many students, akin to putting band-aids on Cancer patients.

If not now, when?

Geared up and ready.

Let's restore the civic mission of America's schools and dedicate our efforts to educate the whole child.

Is Arne Duncan really the right choice to make this change?

We must take advantage of this moment in history to broaden our vision regarding what it means to prepare our children for the challenges of the 21st Century. The narrow interpretation of accountability has weakened our school system. By adopting accountability policies based almost exclusively on student test scores for reading and mathematics, we have prevented the accomplishment of our intended goal-developing schools that meet the needs of the whole child and prepare students to become active and productive citizens.

President-elect Obama stated in his debate with Sen. Clinton that ""something that we can do immediately is pass the DREAM Act"" a proposal in the last Congress that would provide a path to legal residency for undocumented students who have been educated in the United States. My strongest hope is that this will be part of the Administration's 100-day agenda. Ricardo Sanchez, Chairman, Latino/a Educational Achievement Project (www.leapwa.org)

If we want change to last, we need civility and general understanding among all the populace. Where better to start than here??

I have been in education 30 years plus. Our school are in dire need for good educated teachers. The alternative certification program, I believe is the worst thing that has happen to public school. We are getting teachers that could not get a job in their field and feel that teaching is easy. No major changes until we ""educate"" our teachers on how to teach. It is good that our teachers come with a college education, however, they need college level and college long semester classes on how to teach.

Quality teachers are taught, they shouldn't learn in the classroom. They are ruining millions of children's lives. Secondly, we need to stop all this testing. We can be accountable without relying totally on one test. Stop the madness.

Please follow through...this is a priority. We need to support an equitable and just education for all children!

education is freedom. america will never be truly free until it has a just system of education of all its young that will allow them to reap the blessings of liberty.

I want better hopeful education for all children of America, and so my son will have his.

Please stop making education a test score. Education is food for the soul and is much more than math and science.
"While there is so much more I could/would say if given the space, I would simply like to emphasize the absolute necessity of creating ""parity of opportunity"" throughout our nation when it comes to education. No child should ever gain a special advantage or encounter an undeserved roadblock to his or her education simply because of the financial and/or human resources available in a particular school or community. I believe passionately in the core principles presented herein, and that is why I am signing this petition.

Please let us teach, and not just teach to a state test. Let us be with students and not worry about testing so much.

Let's get back to reality based decisions on education.

Career and Technical Education should be the model for education reform. CTE blends academic skills with technical skills; it teaches knowledge with relevance; it prepares students for all post-high school options; it is knowledge plus the APPLICATION of knowledge; it answers the age-old question of "why do I have to learn this?". CTE is workforce development and workforce development is economic development. Statistics show that 20-25% of jobs will require a professional degree. Why do we insist that ALL our student pursue a professional degree? Career education provides transferable skills. It is practical, valid, necessary education -- it is life.

Perhaps the yardstick for all national education initiatives should be a paraphrase to John Dewey's elegant goal for education - To make every student an equal participant in the democratic conversation, If we look at current and past initiatives in this light, we can easily see how wrong headed many of our current educational policies are.

Please...

We must draw the line in the sand on education...no child left behind needs to be revised.Presently our youth are in a state of abandonment from their parents, there communities, even their schools. Please, lets not continue to leave them out there to fend for themselves in the world. Hope is not lost, hope is here now and it starts with us!

Let's really do it.

Build comprehensive education for all students. Not all students can or should attend college but all need the tools to value learning, build a future, and to meet personal goals.

We must all do our part in turning hope into reality.

My close friend Carl D. Glickman, Ph.D., President Institute for Schools, Education, and Democracy directed me to this site. I have long been a proponent of quality education. Could you use someone with a strong communications background, dedication and commitment to the cause who would like to join the team? I am currently a Communications Consultant/Specialist with L.L.Bean, Inc. I also have a strong business background. Thanks for any response.And, "YesI will.""

We are a small independent school that provides a great model of innovative, effective practices that help each child to thrive and succeed. We challenge each child at their developmental level, rather than age or grade. Consequently, many of our students are working above their expected grade level in some area. Our middle school students are getting high school credits where appropriate. Our graduates in high school are getting college credits. We are proof that students will rise to new challenges if properly supported and carefully taught. We include citizenship as an important part of our mission and educational program. If there is any way that we could contribute to new ideas about how education can truly work for children and families, we would be happy to be part of the discussion. Innovation has been squelched for too long by standardization. Many good educators have come to believe that some things are not possible. They need to see models that really work.

We need to make public schools a top priority! even though many congress men and women send their children to private schools!

Please be the first president to not just pay lip service to our youth and especially, our children/students. As a teacher of many years and now part of my district's leadership, I have grown accustomed to disillusionment- I don't want to feel this way as I start to leave my own youthful years. Let's fund education and show students they are well worth investing in!

A brighter future requires that we invest in our most important resourse, our children and their education.

Public education must be a top priority - we need innovation and funding -plus honest talk about teacher quality - if public schools are not good enough for the Obama children - why should they be good enough for any other children?

The United States needs to use a Global barameter for meeting the quality needs of eduation in America. To simply state that all children will be literate is not enough they need to be comptetitive on a global basis. Education should be the #1 priority in funding and policy-Education is a right that all states need to recognize and legislate with quality parameters. Teaching to the test should not be considered an acceptable education-children need criticall thinking skills and opportunity to learn not memorize data. Many children don't test well but have knowledge what is NCLB doing for these populations. We can not take out the individual in education-NCLB needs to be revamped and the Federal Govt needs to step up with funding. Where is our children's bailout plan-it took two months for a Banking bailout to occur shouldn't education be as fast or faster? Afterall education is our National Retirement Fund

Invest in teachers

Taking money away from public schools through funding for charter schools and vouchers to be used for non-public schools is not the way to strengthen public education.

Dear President-elect Obama, We believe in you! Do you believe in us? Show us in actions not speeches.

Please support colleges of education and the strong programs they provide to future teachers, particularly in the professional development schools, where partnerships already exist and work. Thank you for bringing change.

building democratic, collaborative learning communities that honor meaningfully authentic student voice and participation in partnership with adults turns out to be entirely consistent with working towards "global competitiveness".

As a single mom with one, a freshman in college, and one with a disabilty in high school I really hope the Obama administration really puts kids first because they are our future hope.

Too long we have waited. Many, many children have suffered. Our nation is less than it might be. The time for action is now!

Please keep the PUBLIC in public education!

I've been in education as a preschool teacher through teaching college over the past 35 years. This is the first time I've allowed myself to truly believe that positive changes are coming. Let's care for kids first and cut out the emphasis on testing.

Let's make education a priority. Good teachers = good schools. How will you make that happen?

Please save our public schools. NCLB is crippling our educational system. Mom to a 4th, 6th and 8th grader.

Even with our current financial crisis, I feel more optimistic about our country's future than I have in several years.

Together we can move proudly into the future.

I trust that this inauguration marks the beginning of a new era of transparency and civic engagement at the grassroots level. Moreover, I see the Obama Administration providing the requisite funding and support to provide those that utilize public education with relevant, engaging, and meaningful learning opportunities.

Please create high educational expectations for teacher education--all teachers should be fully certified and ideally, have at least a master's degree before teaching, especially in our most challenging schools. Pair the educational requirements with loan forgiveness for service and high entry salaries. All our children deserve fully prepared and well-compensated teachers.

I am a high school principal striving to support the needs of 1,000 students. Public educators must have your support and understanding and the support and understanding of Congress to do the job correctly. Our students are too important to do anything less.

President Obama,

Education is the key to developing a strong and secure future with open-minded leaders. Our youth need to be given the best opportunities to develop and fulfill their potential.

Thank you.

I am a high teacher in Los Angeles Public education is the backbone of our society. The schools need the support and advocacy from our government.

Look to Finland. Honor teachers. Give schools in areas of poverty a chance, with well paid and well prepared teachers.

Let 'em loose

Please help educators in a way that impacts student learning. We are short on funds and morale.

PLEASE do not let education drop to the bottom of a long list of priorities!!!

We are hopeful that you will fulfill the promises to education for all that you so eloquently spoke about during your campaign.

We are test obese and assessment thin! We, as school teachers and administrators, need the support and respect that validates our expertise as we make curriculum and strategy decisions regarding instruction. It is a quickly stated status quo comment to say that students are all unique and learn in different ways. However, understanding that students learn and produce in a variety of ways is not enough. Credibility should be given to multiple forms of assessment, rather than the single minded punitive focus of standardized tests and scoring! It is time to focus on learning and what that looks like in our multi-faceted communities.

I am hopeful someone will pull us out of this NCLB mess. Let's use testing as one component, but at the same time, let's change the conversation.

My husband, son, daughter, and I are teachers. We most urgently urge the new administartion to take the education issue head on, NOW!

Pay teachers and teacher educators more. I am a 27 year career educator. I am currently an assistant professor of science education at Sam Houston State University and I make 45,000.00. This is less than a first year teacher's pay. What is wrong with this system?

Pledge: No teacher merit pay based on large-scale student achievement scores.

Please help our schools stay open and teaching. Our district cuts backs, cuts back, and then cuts back somemore. We have more students and fewer teachers and certified employees. How can we go a great job at what we do? Thanks, Carol Unruh

Dear Mr. President and Administration,

With fewer jobs, poor salary, and higher demands, our country is losing some great teachers. Teachers who look out for their children at home, as well as, the well being for the children in their schools. Can your administration really make a difference in the where we place our priorities? I know my number one priority is to see that every child that walks into my intervention group, regardless of sex, race or socioeconomic status, see to it that I provide the instruction that will assist he/she as future American citizens. Please show the generations to come that they are important and we want the very best. Remember....these children will one day be running our country! Yours in education, Sarah Krigbaum

Dear President-Elect Obama,

To fulfill the promise of your candidacy, education cannot be relegated to the back burner. America's future as a world leader is seriously in doubt; I believe we are doomed to failure without a strong, federally supported public education system. Our hopes are with you, Clare Watsky, School Librarian, Sherman Elementary School, San Francisco, California

Education needs the public's support and your support -- now more than ever. Cutting education budgets will serve no useful purpose in supporting education, as budgets are already extremely tight. We cannot afford to fire teachers because of budget cuts; huge class sizes only diminish effectiveness.

Running a school where all of my kids have long ago been left behind in America, I am hopeful, that after the disasters of the past 8 years,That Barack will bring us back to our better senses, looking ahead at America through the eyes of his daughters' brightest futures.

Work in a small school, love small schools, smaller schools will solve half the problem. Less management; more caring and learning.

Dear President elect Obama,

Please make quality education a constitutional right for ALL children. My students and I have been inspired by your vision. We look forward, we need, it to be realized. Kindest regards, Maria

A quality education for each student is our #1 priority.

I've taught in the public school systems in Brooklyn, New York City and now Albuquerque, New Mexico. I can think of no better place to focus our energy around change than the ailing public school systems in our country.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 8, 2009 at 9:33pm

And here's another day of what America has to say about its future:

Local control and financing is no longer an option for an educational excellence. In our global community we cannot allow our urban children to be left without the appropriate education.

Schools are in desperate need of positive change and hope. I am currently doing research in the area of literacy. I am dismayed by the unequal education that students of color consistently receive - specifically by scripted programs with pacing guides. These programs are based on the mis-belief that these students are deficient and need skills. The programs are teacher proof - the script keeps the teacher and students moving without any connection to students' backgrounds and experiences - only robots could respond to or teach these programs. They are deadly and inhumane. My sincere hope is that all students receive the engaging education that students in the suburbs of my city recieve!
The seismic changes in our economy only further underscore the need to overhaul and improve our education system. I hope this is a top priority for Obama.

I am currently working towards a teaching degree, and believe that one of the first issues the Obama administration must address is the educational disparities that exist between wealthy and impoverished communities. I am a strong supporter of Obama, and hope to see much change in the next few years.

I support the dual promises of hope and change.

I hope that we will insist on high standards and respect for both students and their teachers. We need schools that embed democratic ideals and practices in their cultures. Teachers shouldn't just be teaching ABOUT democracy and students shouldn't just be learning ABOUT democracy. Students and teachers both need to be engaged in democratic (small d) processes so that schools operate more responsively and effectively to meet students' needs.

I hope that criteria for appointments to the Department of Education will include 1) respect for teachers and administrators and 2) educators who are knowledgeable about teaching and learning.

Education as a priority will change the future more than anything else can. To keep American strong, we must fully and fundamentally commit to education as we never have before.

Our students have spoken.

It is our future--we can't afford not to support education

We believe in kids.


"Education is the key to a strong democracy and the key to solving 21st century challenges. Whether it be from lessening our carbon footprints to rebuilding our cities infrastructure, or from space exploration to research on cognitive thinking, one will find a teacher with superior content knowledge, motivating instructional strategies, enthusiastism, and inspiration to students. Superior teachers equal superior students that result in a superior democracy. "

I hope you will pay close attention to what progressive educational scholars are saying about the so-called No Child Left Behind law, and see how drastically it is leaving behind the exact children it purports to serve, while reducing teaching and learning to mere drill. We need genuine support for all our children, in all our public schools, with no privatization, no competition for who's winning and who's not!

Train teachers to be culturally relevant as well as proficient in their academic subjects, fully fund all schools, including in the inner cities, and see students thrive!!! Don't waste the money, time, and our children's lives on standardized tests!

without education, there is nothing

As a mother of three and a 1st grade teacher, I know how important and special our children are. Won't you please make education a priority in your new administration?

Re-humanize the education of our children. Reduce the testing. It is killing our students' innate curiosity. It is sorting kids into winners and losers. We need to be cooperating to achieve the best in our nation rather than pitting our students against one another.

It's time to develop assessments that challenge students while allowing them the opportunity to express their unique voice. It's time to afford teachers the time and opportunity to be creative and respond to the individual needs of her students. It's time to admit that the tyranny of standardized tests has narrowed the vision of our schools and communities. The future of our democracy demands this of us.

I didn't vote for you Mr. President, but I am willing to work with you as a fellow citizen to make our country great and public education is the key to that goal. I know we don't agree on every issue, but I a pleased when I hear you say things like, "I will listen, especially when we disagree." I hope you live up to that promise, and we as Americans can really start to work together for the interest of American and not the interests of government and partisan bickering. Bryan Hatch

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela

Please show that putting the voices back to our democracy really means that we're openly listening to ALL voices regarding issues: teachers are great spokespersons for their students and students' needs. Please hold us accountable by all means, but listen to our input on the matter!

In tough economic situations, the ""easy"" way out often appears to cut education and health care. Please don't take the easy way out! Our economy and our country will grow and get stronger if we invest properly -- in our kids, our heath and our educational system. Thank you!"

Yes, we can, if people believe that we can and commit their efforts to improving the lives of our youth.

Education needs the funding and resources to compete in a global world!

I believe a better world to live in starts with a better education. It seems public education is the main route for most youth.

This is about educating HUMAN BEINGS, not the commodification of our children and youth. Feelings, emotions, imagination are as important as memorization and rote skills.

Accountability is absolutely necessary if schools are to improve, but accountability based solely on standardized test scores fails to recognize the complexity of the learning process and of how people can demonstrate what they have learned.

Public schools in the US are in need of everything... there is a huge opportunity to make a difference fast with as little as ensuring they have enough paper for the school year, crayons, teachers, books...
21st century skills are NOT those characterized by Corporate factory model standardized tests, but rather by learner centered problem solving inquiry and innovation. Free up teachers to provide a quality education for our kids.

As a professor of education at a state university, I stand ready to serve our new President as he takes the lead in shifting our national priorities to education and health care.

Great petition and very convincing video. I am with you all.

Mother of 4 and daughter of a principal. I know improving education in this country will secure our future. And I believe it is critical we prioritize education if we want to continue to relate and compete with the rest of the world.

The priorities seem clear to some of us but I doubt teh stimulus plan will direct much resources toward education directly..so it will be a struggle

Please commit to properly funding our public schools. We are bailing out failed companies inefficiently run by greedy CEOs or actual thieves, but our nation's children go without at school. Let the bankers and Defense Department have a bake sale.

our children are our future....

Educating our kids will only insure a brighter future for our country.

As an advocate and activist for underserved public schools, I hope that Mr. Obama's administration will make accessibility to quality, inspiring public education for ALL Americans a priority.

It sounds corny but our children really are our future! Better schools = smaller prison populations!

OUR future: OUR children need OUR help to fulfill their unlimited potential. Fund OUR schools; give OUR teachers the financial backing they deserve. Help develop OUR most beautiful natural resource, OUR children.

In economic times like this we absolutely must invest in the future. We must expect more from our kids, our teachers and our administrators. Please make education your #1 priority.

Increasing the number of good teachers is the most effective way to improve our children's education. Please do your best to make that happen.

As an educator, I find this message to be of utmost importance. Thank you!

As we place the economic burdens of the current bailout of America on the shoulders of our children and grandchildren, we owe them a decent education to prepare them for the difficult tasks we are leaving them.

When are we going to reform testing and introduce multiple measures such as portfolios, performances and exhibitions to de emphasize outdated standardized tests?

In addition to supporting this initiative I also strongly support school choice as it too serves the public and the nation's interests. Just as our president-elect and his wife chose a private school because it serves their needs, no family in America should be denied access parochial or private schools simply because they cannot afford tuition.

1. Support public schools
2. Universal Health Care for All--eliminate insurance companies from health care

Make children and education a priority. Dont forget that they need good mental health services in order to succeed in school.

America can't afford putting off change any longer. It's time to do it. Be the change we need.

An education that really prepares people for the modern world must include history and literature, as well as science and math. The former teach logic and perspective and are sorely neglected in the current attempts of this country to compete technologically, an effort, I might add, that is failing miserably. It is failing not just because we do not teach science and engineering but because the lack of preparation in the humanities cripples people's abilities to see relationships and analogies central to original thinking and practical application.

I think we as a nation are setting ourselves up to fail by expecting familites to beg their communities to fund their children's education, rather than having the government fund all schools equitably. The more that middle class families beg, bakesale and compete for grants the less the government aka our society, feels the need to actually pay for basic educational rights for all children. It is an abomination.

Until we, our nation, values our children as much as we value entertainment, we will continue to suffer the consequences. We can bail out financial institutions but we can't spend vital dollars on educating our children?! We should be embarrassed of our behavior.

We believe in you!

I teach a 3rd grade class of gifted and talented students. The limited budget makes me limit what I am able to expose them to. Help the teachers teach the children!!!!

Urgency and respect for all, please. Finger pointing at those of us who'vw been working hard to educate children isn't working. Especially in DC.

Please make education a priority for our children.

Invest in teacher education. Talk with leading teacher educators/scholars to determine how to create classrooms that invest in all learners. I get worried when I hear talk of rewarding teachers. Teachers need to invest in all learners and know that they are entrusted to further learning that fits the particulars of students and contexts. Rewards are apt to undermine professional judgment. Teacher education that attracts strong candidates and builds content and pedagogical knowledge and long term rewards teachers with good pay and benefits and the resources and supports to create worthwhile learning experiences for their students, is an investment in the future that will not be regretted.

I believe that Education is the most important issue that we have to push. We fail to talk to our teachers and students how we need to reform education. This video is proof and hope, that we need to move towards a change that is not just about administrators or the government, but also teachers and students. Because we are in this together.

I supported you in the campaign! I hope you will support children in our schools! While your choice for Secretary of education appears more political than pragmatic, I trust your judgment and believe Yes We Can! Please help us!

We look forward to your support of public education.

I believe a strong public education system with community involvement and support for students and teachers IS CRITICAL FOR A STRONG NATION! It is how we get children to believeYES WE CAN!
"I believe that evey child has the right to a quality education. Education is the key to equality, economic justice and is a human right. Therefore, we should make education a priority in America. I will certainly encourage others to participate.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

this is really inspiring. i hope others will watch and be inspired and take action!

I urge you to put the needs of our kids and their educations first in order to ensure our collective future!

Education is extremely important!

All of the nation's children, rich, middle-class, poor deserve a first- class education. Until every child in the country receives a quality education, the nation is a 2nd class nation.

This is incredibly important to me. We must provide the tools to ensure our children's sustainable success!

We'll do our part as parents if you'll do your part at President. Quality public education is a must for this country's future!

Thank you for your concern.....What can I do to help?

With a sound education, we build strong citizens ready to help self and others. Please make education one of your priorities. Thank you and God Bless you.

I am the principal of a small, public, innovative high school of choice and I support the agenda of Forum for Education and Democracy

Change through film and media! Anything is possible. God bless America.

This is so necessary.

Dear President Obama, Educational change will remain superficial unless we change the way we assess that change. Standardized tests are a poor marker of studetn understanding. Please help to move us toward somehting more valid and meaningful.

You envisioned for us the best that we can be as a nation. I stand ready to support you in making our children our top priority.

I wish us every success possible.

Its all well and good to want to move towards a green economy, however, our schools are gearing us towards mcjobs. We are not preparing the next generation to take on the incredible challenges they will face. Please make sure the value we place on education is reflected in the stimulus plans and the budgets. San Diego Unified is going through painful mid-year cuts this year, and is expected to have to continue those cuts next year. How can we do more with less?

Please fix the NCLB legislation. I am a teacher in a low income school. We are now going to have Saturday School to try to raise our test scores. I know that I am already doing every- thing I can possibly do to help my students. I do believe all children can succeed. However, every child is an individual and special ed children are not going to do the same as regular education. What about our children whose parents are in prison? or children who were meth babies? Help me to help them the best that I can.
Teaching to the test is not helping them. Thank you. D. Lynn Boddy

I teach at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, (in the Nursery Kindergarten division) where Malia and Sasha have been educated so far. I want all children to have as good an education as the kids who are fortunate enough to attend the Lab School. This will take commitment and focus and energy. This is a matter of moral will power and sustained push. Can we count on the Obama administration to follow through?

Please protect the arts in education! We are all facing devastating cuts in public education and the arts are often first to go - kids need art to stay engaged and joyful and connected and to learn who they are and believe in themselves and their vision. And art teaches respect for everyone's voice.

As a staff member at the U.S. Department of Education, wife of a DC Public School teacher, and mother of a 16 month old son with a second child due in the Spring, education is a priority for me as I hope it will be for the Obama administration as well. YES WE WILL!!!!!

As a para at my middle school, I see what the students can accomplish with education being a priority. There is no end to what they can do. I am so proud to work with our youth and see them grow.

For the children I taught in New Orleans who deserved and continue to deserve better, please consider this and return the dream to the inner city. With best wishes and renewed hope, Katie Schmidt Raher, MA
PhD Candidate, UC Berkeley

We must keep the promise but it must be done collectively. Yes we can!!

Dear President-Elect Obama, I am a teacher in South Central Los Angeles. My students and I demand change and hope you will bring it to us.

I'm glad to be part of this.

I am a teacher and have seen what happens when we do not give our students a chance at a fair and equal education...

Without teachers and public schools, where would the large majority of our childen and youth be? And these need to be schools that help our students learn to think outside the box!

A national priority should be reflect in the budget.

Please understand that a free-market model push for charter schools will never be able to provide ALL young people with a high-quality, free education and must not be pursued as an education policy.
EVERY child needs to have the same opportunity to an excellent education. Not just those that live in higher income brackets. We must keep the bar high and equalize the resources. An excellent teacher in every classroom is a start!

We are once again learning about the power of collective will and commitment.

Please don't continue to make the brightest students flee public education for a private one. This just proves that the other students are being left in despair. I know this from experience because I was one of those students that left my local public schools in New York City for a private boarding school in Farmington, Ct. Then, I believed I had no choice if I wanted to succeed. And now where are those I left me behind in my Brooklyn neighborhood? I do not know. President- elect Obama education is the only thing that will keep us in competition with India, China and Europe. Please don't leave our American children behind anymore. Thank You!

Quality early childhood education means allowing children the opportunity to play, to discover, to create, to socialize, to get outdoors regularly, to nap and to be emersed in beautiful literature.

I am a parent of two teenagers that attend San Francisco public schools. I am also a middle school physical education teacher in SFUSD. I grew up in Illinois and have family in Il. There is a huge difference in the quality of education between the states. Illinois offers so much more creativeness, rigor and opportunities in a variety of aspects. The creativity and fun of teaching/learning has decreased due to the mandatory of state testing and NCLB requirements. Most students want to go college but there are some that want to attend vocational schools. There are few vocational opportunities in schools any more. In most states PE is only required for 2 years in high school-- and that may be substituted for another subject. Are we preparing students for the future? Not really, not the whole child. How many folks do you know join gyms or have equipment at home and yet we take away their pe pgms. Every middle and high school should have working updated fitness centers in addition to their PE curriculum. If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?

Public education is the great equalizer and should be saved from privatization efforts.

I'm a 25+ year veteran high school teacher who is expecting great things from your administration.

Teaching and learning have to be our nation's priorities.

Standardized tests hurt our students' ability to think independently. With all the emphasis on choosing the "right" answer out of four choices they are losing the ability to synthesize information. With all the technology available now, there must be a way to assess efficiently without robbing our students of their creativity and capacity for critical thought. I mean, would you really want to be operated on by a doctor who needs to see four possible procedures of which only one is right before he or she can get to work?? Yet I see more students each year who rely on that kind of support. when I give them an essay, or short answer question they have no idea how to respond. Scary!

Rock it, Sam! This is the work of flow-captains WORLDWIDE! Thank you for energy--I will pass it on for sure! --Jayjo

Every child deserves a rich and rigorous education. Every penny spent on early reading instruction will benefit our nation for many years to come...

As a former community organizer, President Obama has told us clearly that we, in our organized multitudes, are the antidote to the special interests that have succeeded in watering down or destroying every decent piece of legislation that would benefit the American people. Whether it's the education we need, or the health care we must have, only our organized voices will insure it will happen.

Please help the teachers so we can help the future of our country. I have hope.

We need to seriously consider what a 21st century education should be. Not only do we need to get rid of rote curricula and high-stakes testing, we also need to supplant these with a world-class education that nurtures bilingual--indeed, multilingual--competencies in research-based, well-staffed, and well-designed bilingual and dual language education programs. We can little afford to reconstitute yet another generation of young people who are ill-equipped to live in the multilingual communities and society that they already inhabit. We can all only win from a more respectful, transborder, orientation toward the linguistic and cultural diversity in our midst. An Obama presidency points the way. Let's witness some follow through. Sí se puede! Dr. Angela Valenzuela, University of Texas at Austin

I would like to see Early Childhood fairly represented by funding quality initiatives and worthy wages.

Reduce the amount of standardized testing. It does not work!

I hope that the new administration will finally give practicing teachers -- the real experts on our schools -- a seat at the policy-making table.

I support full funding of schools, but I do not believe in charter schools. I have worked at a charter school, and saw first hand some of the abuses that occured there.

NCLB was mostly a failure. Let it expire, and bring us reform that follows the four principles set forth in this petition. Thank you.

We must do this. Please.

I want to help.

You gave us hope to believe change can happen! Please do what you can to make children and their education a priority! As a PTA/PPS(Parents for Public Schools) mom, I have seen so many cuts to our school budgets. We cannot continue on this path!

Much of the American public now realize that ""reform"" in public education means teaching to the test. Our current narrow perspective on what makes a successful student is tragic.

WE don't grow students in green houses where they all read the same material and bubble in the same box. Students thrive when their teacher plants a seed in their minds, and that seed roots itself in it's own, unique way."

Just a few short years ago, the National PTA sent a message to Washington...5 Cents Makes Cents...if just 5 cents were used of every dollar toward education, our children would ALL be prepared to face the challenges of a new, innovative, demanding world. Washington, sadly, did not listen. Please do not make that same mistake. Create innovators of each child by creating innovative education systems that are funded with an eye toward hope and change. As we all realize, by teaching a child and making learning accessible, we keep one more being from the prison system and social services lines. Place literacy and the arts foremost in our educational system and see the hope expand beyond all boundaries imaginable.

My wife is an elementary school teacher in jeopardy of being laid off and we have four teenage boys in public school who will have to suffer from fewer teachers. Please help us to keep education funding number one for our future. Thank you.

I teach at a community college with a very diverse student body. I feel the most important thing for a young person is to learn that through reading and research they can figure out most of what they need for life. It only takes one good teacher to instill a thirst to learn and an interest is the world outside. The rest will take care of itself.

One of my sons is attending a public school kindergarten another will begin kindergarten in September 2009. I am a certified elementary teacher who recognizes that educational change must be a priority. Everyone's future depends on preparing students to become educated contributors to our country and world.

as emeritus professor, U. of Colorado at Denver, I stay in touch with US education and hope NCLB will be dumped pronto.

It is time to build a true teaching profession -- one that our students and school communities need and deserve.

Support the future

As an educator, parent, and citizen I know that the hope of our world is our children and our children will be shaped by us. Mr. President, I applaud and join your team in shaping our future. Robin B. McCoy, Ph.D, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Chatham County Schools, Pittsboro, North Carolina

It matters to me, too!!

We need to focus on the whole child, not just the intellectual needs.

This is the most important issue facing our country. This is our real chance for a bright future. Wall street should be having bake sales, not us!

Failure is not an option. . . yes we will!

Keep education on the front burner, even in these times when so many other issues loom large. It is the foundation of our country and the door to opportunity for all American children!

Support the arts in education!!!!

As a product of a public school K-12 education as well as a public university, I want to help make sure children today have the right to the quality education they deserve!

this cause is of tantamount importance to our civil society. i am single, 51 y.o, never married, no children, so i have no axe to grind nor personal issues at hand for which i am advocating. mr. president(elect) please consider this request with all due sober contemplation.

I time is now to make the changes needed for students and teachers. I know we can.....

Attention to the educational and health needs of all children has been seriously lacking. I whole-heartedly support this effort!

I want to be proud of the American educational system. Let's invest in it. Let's have great schools everywhere in our country.

Our children are our future!

We are quickly becoming the most ignorant country....our kids need this!

This agenda is critical to the country's future!

As a dedicated, veteran educator, I implore the incoming administration to consider the needs of every child and every teacher. We can no longer rely on standardized tests to assess our students competencies, abilities and possibilities. We need change, and we need it NOW

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 8, 2009 at 9:33pm

While the USA continues to have many more opportunities than elsewhere, we cannot correctly claim there is "equal opportunity" while students in our public schools receive such different "educational" experiences. In order to give students an equal opportunity, and in order to make them more competitive with students around the world, K-12 public schooling should be federalized, and all students should be using the same texts in core courses that are reflected in standardized tests.

Bilingual Education. YES, WE CAN! Equitable opportunities. YES, WE CAN! The Arts in Education. YES, WE CAN!

Education still needs to remain a priority!

As an educator I feel one way to our country strong is to educate our young. We must make a commentment to our youth. Thanks for your support.

Dear President Obama, Please support high quality education for all - we need to become our best selves to survive the challenges we will face as individuals and as a democracy in the next eight years. Great Public Education is the only way we will be able to achieve that goal."

My sister and Aunt are both teachers in inner city Chicago. Help them provide what each of their students need and deserve: an education and opportunity to reach their greatest potential.

As a teacher of young children I recognize the need for turning our attention towards those who do not yet have a voice within our democracy. The children need our attention and the resources necessary for successful learning.

Our children are our future. We need to PLAN for a better future!

It is time to drown out educational inequity and education inequality and breathe the fresh air of worthwhile education for all. Let's help our teachers let go of the scripts and take the reins of meaningful pedagogical practices without fear!

Let's keep public schools a priority

It has been great to see Obama's platform for education change. I certainly hope these issues take priority and the Obama administration is able to follow through.

Redirect war funds to schools. There is no power like education!

Please take the preasure off our children to pass a test and let each child learn as much as the can at their ability level. When you set a bar for all to reach it is too easy for some and too difficult for others. All children must be challenged to learn as much as possible.

President Obama, you gave me back my hope in the promise of our nation. That hope starts with education. I will do what I can to make good on that promise and work for that hope. I pray every day for you and for the children of this country. With faith and hope, yes we will!

Teachers deserve quality healthcare too. Currently I pay over $500 dollars for our family healthcare which doesnt include my 19 year old son for which I pay an additonal $56 a month or $600 a year aprox. IN additon to that I pay around $40 a month for dental insurance. Just think as a 21 year old veteran teacher where is my discretionary income once I pay heat, electrical, water, mortage, and food? ZERO!
I hope education gets its fair share of your attention. With so many problems going on, it could easily be brushed aside for years.

We need to be willing to challenge long-held ideas in education that make adults comfortable but do not serve the interests of students -- tenure, long summer holidays, lack of professional accountability, and so on.

These are the hardest and most important promises to making the country we want and our students deserve.

4 more years!!! after these 4.

I am a para professional. I hope you will allow me to continue to help the children that have special needs. They need my help and I love helping them

Please don't miss this chance. Too much is riding on your leadership. You don't have to do this alone, please let us help you!

I am pleased to support this effort. The past months were very, very exciting. But..........pep rallies before big football games are very exciting also. Now it is game time. Let's carry that enthusiasm where it really matters; to the community, the school, the church the neighborhood.

YES WE WILL!!!!!!!!!!1

in addition to high quality public schools, all young people deserve educational opportunities outside of the schools through summer camps and after school programs.

Put us to work!!! We're ready.

Let's provide preschool programs for all in the public school system!

THank you for the hope. Let's keep it going.

I have supported you throughout your campaign and I believe you will do what is best for all people in every area of government. In the area of education, please listen to what teachers are tellingl you,not business people. Teaching is not a business and it requires experts in the field to make good decisions about it.

YWW Petition: All children, regardless of family economic status or future occupation, must acquire the skills, knowledge, and civic values needed to perpetuate American democracy. To meet these requirements, students should receive a type of education that actively engages them as citizens in their own schools and communities.

Students can be highly involved in classroom decisions concerning class rules, curriculum, or assessment rubrics. Morning meetings, weekly class meetings, a classroom constitution, and a bill of rights and responsibilities are other examples. Involvement of students in democratic schools can go far beyond traditional student councils where participation in school decisions is limited to academic status and decisions concerning picnic menus or school dances. Globally, in many democratic schools, students help with school climate, school rules, scheduling, curriculum, budgeting, and hiring decisions.

A sustainable America needs sustainable schools; sustainable schools are democratic schools.

Just do it. We are all behind you.

PLEASE HELP OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WE NEED FINANCIAL HELP. PLEASE RE-EXAMINE "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND". WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IS CREATE A SITUATION WHERE EVERY CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND. THE IRONY IS SO THICK, IT CAN BE CUT WITH A KNIFE.

Early childhood education and education/support for children with disabilities must be included in the premises of this petition.

The education of our children is of the highest priority and I am of the opinion that the community school model is one of the most important and cost beneficial means for meeting the needs of children, families and communities. Kudos for selecting Mr. Duncan as Secretary of Education!

Please look toward inspiring communities to take an active role in generating communities that grow children--not just schools. The education of our children happens throughout our communities, it is the WHOLE community's responsibility to create a system or community culture that works for its children. This is what we are trying to do in Asheville, NC!

this is an important issue. Having worked in the public school system, I know this is a very important issue. These children of today are our country's leaders tomorrow. Without adequate education, what will they base their decisions on?

I have worked with John Goodlad on another "School Improvement" project through SACS and have high regards for his continuing endeavors to improve education.

I have dedicated my professional career to the enhancement of educational process and outcomes in higher education. I am grateful to have a new partner with the Obama Administration! Let's move forward together!

After 30 years as a teacher educator, I am finally hopeful that someone will pay attention to each and every child in our country; not just some. Children in lower resourced areas need small class size and teachers who have the time to talk with each other about students and how students learn. Yes we can.

Let's not let down the learners and educators who are looking to us for action.

Help our schools and children.

After 8 years of seeing our public schools run into the ground PLEASE be our beacon, lighting our way to a better public education system.

I've never believed in anything or anyone like I believe in President-Elect Obama. Please don't disappoint me. Educate my kids - the ones I taught in downtown Detroit - the ones who look like you. Please.

Education must be a priority for our country if we are to continue as a world leader and to revive a successful economy.

Quality education for all U.S. children is vital to make the "change we need". Please keep your campaign promise and support our country's public school system.
we cannot lose hope. Education is the key to the future.

Part of our decision should be based on what the 9th generation, from now, will need to succeed. We must take a pragmatic yet longview of our shared responsibility to support and provide learning opportunities for those who wish to learn.

Together we can and we will!

I am a teacher (and a parent) who emphasizes a multicultural curriculum in my classroom and a desire to do whatever is in my power to have my students succeed. I have faith and look forward to the changes your admistration will make to the good of our schools.

Good teachers make the difference. I have seen this over and over again in our public school classrooms.

If we want to advance what education can offer all children, we must do the things that support teachers.

We already know what these things are. We need to do them. Remember your DNC speech - It's not about you, it's about US.

We need to ensure that all citizens of the US get the education needed to be a productive part of this republic.

I still believe - YES WE CAN!

We believe in you and your administration!

Mr. President-Elect: Thank you for being the first president to appoint a proven public school leader as Secretary of Education.

Yes we willl!!!!! JAN 20TH 2009 - SO SOON. THANK FOR BARACK FOR ROCKING THE USAAAA :)

There is no reason why the United States cannot ramp up our schools and our culture's ability -- via tax incentives, forced private-corporate participation, and with an eye to critical thinking and systems learning. No more corporations and backward thinkers setting the course and narrative frame of educaiton.

"Your success has been monumental because you (President Obama) were afforded an excellent education despite your family circumstances. I hope you join me in demanding that all children are afforded the same opportunity that you and I have enjoyed. The same or similar opportunity that your daughters will receive at their very prestigious private school. We owe all children the same chances that we and our children have been afforded. As I worked tirelessly to encourage those around me to vote for you, if you disappoint us in this endeavor, I will work tirelessly to encourage others to change their votes in 4 years if you do not keep your promise. We believe in you . . .

"Providing every child an equal chance means renewing, not dismantling, our commitment to bilingual education. The dismantling of the bilingual education system in Massachusetts has had devastating effects on children who are the most vulnerable. We need national leadership to change this worrisome trend in local educational politics. Thank you!

We all need change and hope for young and old. I believe we will have that now. Yes we can, and yes I will

I add my voice to the ever growing crescendo of "hope."

We must focus on public education in high poverty areas. We cannot close the socio-economic gap without first closing the opportunity for high quality education gap.

I teach in a high school in the south Bronx. We do not have a library or sufficient materials. Many of my students are more than able to compete for the best colleges but they are hampered without books, computers, AP courses.We need a decent education for all.

With so many pressing issues in America at this time, I hope we will not be remiss in providing financial aid for all of our schools. If we do not educate our young people sir, who will there be to run for your office in the future. Pat Ross

I'm a public school teacher, inner-city, multicultural, socially-challenged students. We need college-educated classroom assistants, we need social services for our students and their families, we need smaller classes, we need vocational alternatives to pretending everyone is college-bound. The needs are overwhelming.

As president of the Amy Biehl High School Foundation, a public Charter high school in Albuquerque, I know public education works. But just as in all fields it requires re-tooling and innovation with each generation.

My daughter worked on President-elect Obama's campaign from the very first day in Iowa, until the general election. As a student just out of college, she traveled and worked in 8 different states. I work as an urban public school principal in Ohio. For the first time in many years, I am truly hopeful for our future in education. I want to be able to look back some day and know that my daughter's work to help elect President-elect Obama, helped to bring about the change that we so desperately need in education, and therefor in the lives of the children I work with each day. I am willing to do all I can to make this dream a reality.

what i feel that we as Americans need to understand is that we are the future, we are going to be the ones with the high paying jobs, we are going to be the ones making the big decisions!

This is the first time there has been real hope for change and these grassroots efforts will be very important to getting beyond the partisan politics.

Every child deserves instruction using empirically validated instructional procedures leading to measurable outcomes!

Yes, I have been since 1973 and yes I will. Don't forget about us who have been actively working for change in public education for a long time. Reform in education is not a new concept. How we reform will always continue to transition and transpire to inspire. I hope that those of use who have been doing this will be listened to because we have so much to offer as me move forward together.

I will like to see The US to become the country I use to know wen I attended School.

Dear Mr. President, I am inspired by your passion to work to make our nation the best it can be, and I will do my part and encourage my friends to join you in helping make the U.S a great nation once again by ensuring that our educational system is the best and that all of our children have the opportunity to a quality, equitable education.

"It's time to stop ""sending a test in to do a curriculum's job"", as P. David Pearson says. It's time to teach kids to be thoughtful, critical, independent learners who can participate in a democracy.

Our hoped for each of these four goals to be realized has been elevated. Working together they can become a reality. Yes we can and yes we will!

I am testing Kindergarten Children every other week, when I should be teaching. Teachers need to be involved in helping to form the decisions being made in education.

Let us make the dream of equality a reality in our schools.

Please change NCLB: support authentic assessment and take away harmful penalties!

Please don't get mired down in politics as usual. Keep your goal of a better place for all in focus! And last, thank you for being sincere.

Three out of four of my children have attended a democratically run, performance based school. The fourth one even beniefited:-) Spelling is not a strong point,however."

I also support the "Quality Education as a Constitutional Right" and the "Education as a Civil Right" initiatives.

The future does belong to the educated and we need to ensure that everyone has the best. In order to have good times ahead of us, we need to invest in providing the best education for all. Yes we can (and I will)!

I'm helping to start a new charter high school in Ithaca, opening in September, focusing on sustainabilitiy - New Roots School.

For the past 8 years the business community has attempted to impose their model on education. This has been a failure EVEN when test scores rose. WE need to be looking for ways to create the kind of love for learning that your daughters will experience in the small classes taught by creative experienced teachers in a beautiful supportive environment. This is not out of reach. It is exactly the kind of "infrastructure" that will build a stronger country.

Yes, we will value who children are and from where they come by teaching them to think critically so they will be equipped to face and handle life's challenging situations with finesse and confidence. We want them to believe that "yes, we can."

I'm a public educator, a principal in an public alternative school that serves the students on whom too many have given up. I am working with my teachers to give these students another chance, then a third chance, then a fifth chance....until they join us in taking the risk on believing in themselves.

Yes we can!

Morgan high School is a very poor district.I Pay property Taxes to help improve our schools. But this is not enough to run them. So our school gets funds from the State. Which are presently being cut. The state says we will have to cut 30 teachers in the arts/phsyical ed.We don't evan have that many. This is going to be to no good end.The children are the ones who will suffer.Larger class room and many cut classes. Why do we try to improve our building from trailors to rooms when the classes that form our chidren will be cut.Please help our chidren and help our future.

Enough with high stakes testing? How about support for high-stakes teaching?

educators for obama and educators who are here to hold obama and arne duncan accountable for helping to educate all children!

Education is the fundamental door to an enlightened society. It should not be relegated to wealth and privilege but a basic right for all if we are to progress!

Our future is too important to succumb to the politics of budget cuts. What use is funding a war for our safety if our children can't read and write and think? Education MUST be the priority.

As a newly National Board certified teacher, I have strong feelings about what needs to be done to enhance student learning. All students deserve highly qualified teachers and a setting where their individual needs can be met. In a district and state where money for education is being cut, something has to be done. Make us proud!

We need to focus on 21st century skills--creativity, collaboration, creative problem solving, critical thinking. The constant pressure to achieve higher scores on standardized tests limits children's potential, and teachers ability to engage in the art of teaching. It is time for change. It is time for a progressive vision for education!

My children attend schools in Morgan Co, Ohio and we are in need of keeping our teachers as well as our music, art, physical education classes. Please help our schools keep the teachers needed to teach our children. Our children deserve what others in richer counties get. We need jobs in this county and letting go of our teachers is not good. There needs to be fairness in this state with where they make cuts. Our children deserve a hopeful future.

Create an Education Investment Fund which functions like Social Security for College

Dear President-Elect Obama,As an artist, educator, and mother of two young children, I am deeply concerned about education. Your proposal on education addresses what needs to happen to improve education in this country but I fear that even though you propose to pay for your plan without raising the federal deficit, education will once again be left on the back burner because of the current economic crisis. In light of the current crises in both the economy and education, I see a rare opportunity for a New Deal style initiative where money poured into education could help re-energize the economy. Therefore, I call on you to create an education investment fund that will fund an overhaul of our educational system and function like Social Security for college.

Essentially, the government would set up an investment fund to which parents could make tax-deductible contributions once a year from when a child is born through his or her twelfth year in high school, and then when that child goes to college he or she would get money each year to use for his or her college education. Such a plan would address several problems. It would create a large sum of revenue that the government could use to start reforming education immediately. It would help alleviate the financial burden that families face in sending their children to college. By putting their money where their mouths are so to speak, a financial investment would also encourage parents to take a more active role as stakeholders in their children¿s education. This money would be invested by the very people who have the most to gain from a better educational system, as opposed to the money for education that is raised from property taxes. (Though I would personally argue that a better educational system benefits everyone, regardless of whether you have school-age children or not.)

You and your advisors would have to crunch the numbers, of course, to determine whether this would be a voluntary or mandatory program, to see how much parents or caregivers should pay in and how much they would get in return for college, and to figure out how to prorate the plan for children already born. Ideally, it would be nice if it were a voluntary program and the incentive was left for parents to contribute larger sums so that they would eventually get more in return. There should also be a way for the government or other donors to match contributions made by low-income families so that their children would have the same financial benefit for college as children from wealthier families. Since contributions would be tax deductible, citizens-at-large (and corporations) would be encouraged to make contributions that could be used to that end.

I think it¿s high time for you to call the nation to sacrifice. As a parent, I would gladly sacrifice all the money I could afford if I knew it were going to improve our educational system and guarantee a more affordable college education for my sons. This is the most important investment I can think of, for my family and for the country. A better educational system is the keystone to a better economy. I would love to see you use the same grass-roots organization you have used for your campaign to organize and galvanize parents and caregivers on a local level, so that they really feel like stakeholders in their schools and their PTAs. This kind of grass-roots organizing could be used to channel the energy and resources of parents, caregivers, teachers, and interested citizens-at-large to help in a public works initiative aimed at bettering education and thereby bettering our country. I hope you seize this opportunity to call us all to a greater cause.With hope, Malin Lindelow, Savannah, GA

If our education system truly develops students into empowered adults, then schools should not only be judged by a high stakes test.

Improving education is not just about the future; it is a way to strengthen America now!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 23, 2009 at 1:27pm

We must give every child an equal chance to become the best contributor to society as possible.

"Vallejo City Unified School District is eager to create a 21st Century learning experience for all our students. Mary Bull, Superintendent "

Our children are our future. Please include them in your funding plans. Thank you, and God
bless you .

I have been a university teacher educator and researcher in the area of teacher emotion and burnout for nearly eight years now. It is time to do what we can to keep high quality, enthused teachers in our schools today. I committed to this mission. Are you?

Education is our country's future.

I am willing to lead and willing to follow. Let's work together to improve our education system.

making free access to the internet a right of citizenship would be a huge step in the right direction and toward involving everyone in this country in the decisions for change that need to come.

Please also turn the focus of education from memorization and testing to in depth learning and assessment ver time. The testing regime is destroying our schools. I am a high School principal in NYC.

As a retired teacher who taught in Harlem for 25 years, I know, I really know, that we need to examine our education system very carefully. We cannot afford to let our children go without a good education AND to allow our parents to be uneducated in child care as well. Please look into this gigantic problem.

As a 56yr old combat veteran of Viet Nam and professional educator, I have never been prouder of a vote I have cast in an election, and now I know...YES WE WILL.

"Schools have been ignored for too long in this country. Only the most affluent areas have good schools. It's time to make teachers accountable and teaching respected. For adults as well as children. Good teachers make good schools.

"Mr. President,
The primary purpose for the creation of public education was to help us teach our citizens to learn to risk living in a democracy. Please help us to do so. Respectfully, Gary"

While I agree with the sentiments expressed in the petition... I believe that the answer to the dreams expressed may involve education, more than schools.... and yes, education is much broader, and bolder, than schools alone!

Please address the needs of children in child care programs - children from infancy through preschool. The early years are vital for brain development.

May we make a positive difference in the future of our children.

The changes we want to happen in this country will only happen through great education for everyone. We look forward to you working to make this dream into a reality for all of our children.

Let's do it.

As a passionate educator, I work diligently to ensure that students receive the best education possible to prepare them for their purpose in a global society. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Center employees we strive to assist the students in the academic middle to achieve their dreams of college success. We also are a company that is comprised of educators who share a vision for success for ALL students whereby making a concerted effort to narrow the current achievement gap that exists.

As a Principal of an Elementary School in rural Georgia, I fully support President-Elect Obama's message of hope for the future of our educational system. However, campaign promises are the first casualty of many new administrations. Ideals may be national, action is local...the challange goes out to local policy makers, administrators and teachers and parents. Education is a state and community function. We are the "troops on the ground" who will win the war of apathy and poor achievement. Support us President-Elect Obama!

Let's make Yes We Can into Yes We Will AND YES! WE DID.

Education is our future, students are our present.

I teach in a very small rural school in the Midwest, and I firmly believe in the effectiveness of a district like ours. Unfortunately difficult economic times continue to strain our budgets, and we are forced to face cuts in staff and programs. Please, President Obama, support districts of 500 or fewer students. We provide a quality education, students do not fall through the cracks under our watchful eyes, and we are the glue that hold our small American towns together. Thank you.

We ARE the change we have been waiting for. Let us do it.

President Obama, please listen to the voices of teachers and students. Education decisions belong in the local communities. Hold them accountable for high quality education for all students - but the federal government should stay out of our classrooms. Stop this testing frenzy and instead support quality of *instruction*.

The children in Ohio are not receiveing the quality education they need to compete in today's world. My husband, Patrick, worked for 15 years to help change the method of funding in our state so that all students could have the opportunity for a thorough and efficient education. Although he is no longer with us, His legascy lives on in all those citizens dedicated to making his dream a reality. For too long, education has taken a back seat to other issues. If America is to regain it's standing as a world leader, we must have an educated population and we can no longer afford to neglect this most important issue.

I believe that public education is the backbone of Democracy and it has been placed on the back burner for far to long! Please save this wonderful Country by saving Public Education! "

As we attempt to stimulate the economy, please remember that if speed is a priority we must find a way to insure that we do not get caught in the process that will insure that it does not work.

Just Do It! Let's also focus on a fair way of funding public schools to make the playing field as level as possible.

All our children should have as good an education as Sasha and Malia.

"Dear Mr. President:

This issue is of vital importance in order to allow all students to fulfill their potential. I strongly urge you to direct your staff at the Dept of Ed to carefully consider and identify ways to implement the goals outlined. Monika Hudson"

i agree, we tend to forget to put the cart in front of the horse--educated people make a balanced society.

Please fully evaluate the notion of "highly qualified teachers", and the use of multiple choice testing to make the determination.

You have my full support! Let's lead together for social justice for public education.
I am a literacy coach in the the Seattle School District! The gains our teachers and students have made due to coaching support in the classroom is amazing! We need to support our teachers with quality staff development, time to implement, model lessons, and provide resources in order to be successful at new innovations aimed to raise student achievement.
Obama must help overhaul NCLB so that it stops being test-and-punish and instead focuses on helping educate the whole child, for every child - which means very different assessments, strong support, assistance not sanctions, and paying attention to the range of factors (in and out of school) that affect learning.

Politicians need to talk to the students and teachers in the classrooms. Policy is often so removed from reality. Let's move away from the business model for education, look where that got the economy. There is no one-size/test fits all solution. Allow the creativity of each individual and community.

"During a 44 year career in public ed. I have heard this promise many times. Please deliver so our society has a chance to survive. Thank you President Obama
Yes We Will!"

my state of Florida, is 49th in education! this is after 8yrs. of jeb bush: the education governor: i am insulted by this grade that we hold, we are not a poor state, but the leaders in charge are morally bankrupted.

We also need a secretary of education who is committed to these goals and values, and who is willing to look at real solutions to our problems, including being hard-nosed about what is at best only a partial success for some students - e.g., charter schools and vouchers.
fully fund Head Start to provide places for all eligible and expand Head Start to include infants.

Provide tuition remission or scholarships to provide qualified staff

Public Schools, staffed by qualified teachers who are supported professionally are essential to a true democracy.

"I have been a teacher for 25 years working the educational scene in art programs, after school programs, youth at risk programs, YogaEd programs, preschool programs in the private and public school sectors. I see clearly the dire need for quality teaching and professional educators both in the classroom and afterschool.

I advocate for a renewed effort to bettering our schools making them the place each American child wants to spend his or her growing years learning. I advocate that Teachers receive the recognition and compensation for the importance of their work.

As a parent of two kids, now in College and Grad school, I feel NOW is the time to support parents in their desire to see their kids achieve academic excellence. From my kids perspective, it is clear that they will enter the job force with their degree in May 2009 facing almost insurmountable odds in the job markets of their choice."

I am a retired person on a fixed income and I know you will have your hands full with the economic crisis, but we cannot forget the needs of our young...They represent the future. While I can't give money, I do have time to contribute if that would help.

Please send money with federal mandates.

As an employee of the ED Department, I rejoice in President O'Bama's election and his message. I look forward to doing my part to advance his education agenda.

Go O! Go teachers! Go America! Yes, we will!

We believe in change--change has come to America!

I am a passionate citizen concerned about the future of our youth. Our youth are the future of this country. If our young people do not have the opportunities and motivation to be well educated, our country will fail. Let's all do our part to raise our young people to be assets and not liabilities.

"Thank you for your Secretary of Education choice. I expect to see more equitable policies from the DOE.

Education should absolutly be a top priority.

"Thank you for articulating so beautifully a ""Bill of Rights"" for justice and equality in Education for all people in our U.S. of Am.: children through adulthood! I'm so hopeful Pres-elect Obama will be able to implement his and your ideals of ""Yes We Can!!!"" Thank you, and have a simply wonderful day and New Year! Norene in Traverse City, Michigan :)"

The present moment presents a unique opportunity to heal the divisions that have kept us from coming together to affirm the value of public education in a democracy. Let's seize the moment--for all of our children's sake.

I whole hardily agree! The future of our country and our depend on our young students of today. Teachers not only have to teach them all about the R R Rs but also about human compassion and cross- cultural understanding.

"Inspired by the words of James Baldwin...GO FOR BROKE!!!!
Hold nothing back!!
If we don't tackle this challenge, immediately and with full force, America may go the way of the Romans by the end of the century."

I believe in people. I'm so grateful for a leader who believes in people as well! I know it's possible. I'm ready to be a part of a positive movement in this country and in this world!

We don't need "merit" pay or vouchers or NCLB. We need major support for the Jeffersonian ideal of PUBLIC education. Nurture and support great teaching.

I fully understand your dilemma in fulfilling all the challenges you face, but nevertheless, hope you will make this a top priority.

I think we all have lots of hope in our new Mr. president.

To strengthen the case for public funds for private schools, the Republicans, during the last eight years, conducted an all out assault on public education attempting to portray as many as possible as failing schools. Make no mistake, public schools have many problems. However, what they need is support to shore up weaknesses. Leadership is needed to remind citizens of the great success stories of public education in a democracy. I hope you will provide leadership to fix public schools where they are broken and to communicate the critical role public education plays in a democratic society.

Very simply, education ensures our future. It is the most important area that we can support.
Please keep education of our children high on your list. Thank You

Dear President Obama,As a veteran of 30 years of public school teaching, for the very first time, I see young people energized and hopeful. We cannot allow that energy and hope to be disappointed and then turned in to cynicism. We must all, together, follow through on our promises to them. Our collective future depends on them. Thank you for inspiring us all. Phyllis Bretholtz

Standardized tests are only half of the problem. Standardized hiring of teacher is the other half. The qualification should be the way you'd hire a salesman. Can he sell the product? Does he engage his client? What is his sales record? It's not just training, it product knowledge and performance. AND finally, what does the sale room look like? Please you wouldn't sell a Jeep in most classrooms!

I am pleased to learn that you want to put "our" children on the pathway to success. As a teacher educator, I am very interested in how your plan will differ from previous administration plans.

Please follow through with change!

Yes WE can!!

"President Obama,
I have high hopes in your leadership and know you will be working hard to help improve our educational system through a more positive and transformative approach, rather than a negative, punitive and ""reforming"" approach. I am here to help in anyway I can as a previous public education teacher and administrator who is now helping our new teachers and new administrators prepare to enter the profession. Dr. Lynne McMahan, University Associate Professor"

YES WE WILL!

Education is the one thing that can give a person hope. Just the realization that something new is happening in my brain and others is invigorating. Just the IDEA that this kind of hope can be a right for everyone is revolutionizing. Education isn't something just smart people can use. Education is a stop in the right direction for any human, regardless of their ability level.

Education is liberating to anyone no matter their age or environment.

John Dewey's message from 1899, is even more relevant in 2009, given the changes in the economic, social, and cultural landscape. Dewey wrote, "What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children. Any other ideal for our schools is narrow and unlovely; acted upon, it destroys our democracy."

"President Obama,

Please know that many of us, regardless of our profession, support your educational endeavors. Please do seek out the advice of those who share your vision and commitments for educational rights for ALL children. "

Investing in American Youth is essential for the future and diversity is one our nation's greatest resources - make learning for all the pulse of the country.

"Dear President-Elect-Obama,
I am fully inspired by your understanding of what today's students need to be successful. Please allow your vision to lead the way. "

This is the time for African American educators collectively to step forward in asking the federal government to assist up in protecting our children in this time of economic crisis.

I believe we should require the Corporations of this country and those which operate here to finance the Education and not property taxes...a certain percentage of the profits before anyone else gets their share would be the way to level the field for everyone...every student gets the same amount in funding... teachers salaries go up so that the very best in all fields can be hired and not the mediocre science and math people... that is how you will fix education in this country.... I know it is a state issue but the US should be doing this so no one is left behind...unlike the fake Repub. version of this.

This effort is so important. I congratulate the "action tank" for making this happen. There is so much to do and we can only make the quality of instruction stronger, more meaningful and of benefit to ALL students.

"Yes, education is the answer to the majority of our problems in America. I agree that it must be a high priority in funding and expectations as President Obama has said so often. Let's not forget to keep it as the highest priority in the new Administration and in Congress. Russell DeVriendt, Greeley, Colorado"

Education should always be a priority. Children are the future.

I lay awake at night, worried that I won't be able to send my 15-year-old daughter to college. She's smart, a very hard working student. My husband and I are teachers who manage to pay the bills, but not much else! We value education and hope to see the day when all young people have the opportunities we did! Thank you.

Inspirational words have brought hope to both young and old. We need those words to be put into action so that the next generation will have the ability to inspire.

A good education will result in a good citizen.

You must make education a priority for the kids of America and for the strength of the country's future workforce!

Congratulations and thank you for all you do everyday to make our education system and America great!

" I would like to see education based on individual matriculation--not on ""one size fits all.""

Furthermore, all students at lower, middle, and upper grades should be entitled to self-paced, individualized instruction based group collaborative social project-based learning. To this end, learning sequences (Framework --Scope and Sequence) are based on individualized and differentiated instruction.

Every student should have his/her own learning developmental plan. To this end, all learners must receive accommodations. ""Why do college students receive accomodations without IEP's?"" The point is, our system is set up so that only 22% of our students succeed because of left-brain (oral, aural, visual) mindless rote instruction.

Most important, I focus on structured/multiple-sensory reading (language arts) based on Orton-Gillingham. All learners can benefit from this program not just struggling readers."

Help us!! Every day students and teachers in public schools pursue knowledge and excellence. However, NCLB California's budget crises threaten our ability to achieve our goals. We need reform and support.

Teachers and administrators in low-income schools need support to meet the demands at their schools: decent pay, support with challenging student situations, paid and constructive time with colleagues etc.

I think school nutrition is also an important issue. An integral part of a child's health and ability to learn is what this child eats. Potatoes out of a box, chicken nuggets, and milk don't cut it.
I agree with everything that our future president is advocating but I worry that he is forgetting one group. That group is the urban group of students that will never go to college and are not educated under the No Child Left Behind program to be prepared with a meaningful skill that will allow them to get a job. The component of Vocational School is sorely missing from the current and proposed education reform programs. If we don't provide them a skill how do the students become successful citizens?

"As a school assistant principal I will continue the challenge preparing all of my students for college.

I am willing to put in the sweat to make their dream a reality.

°Si se puede!"

Education is the cornerstone of what an individual is able to do with their future. I live in a city where more than half of the children I meet are reading way below their grade level, gang activity is ever increasing, children killing each other, young adolescents having babies, and the rate of homeless individuals is high. Why?? The school system is weak. We need help!
Reform does not mean more testing replacing learning and breaking up teacher unions. Make sure all of America's children get the education your daughters do. Yes you can!
Listen to the kids! No change will happen until and unless we let our students speak to us about what it takes for them to take learning seriously.

World-class schools require world-class teachers. We need to make a substantial investment in the education, support, and training of our professional teachers.
yes we will

Supporting our students also means paying teachers a liveable wage!

Education is a cumulative process. If we shortchange it today, we will pay tomorrow.
I work at a Harlem High School and I think the emotional education of our students are stifled by the Regents Standard exam system. It actually hurts me to drill my students on basic concepts when what I want to do is let their own creative imagination bring the questions to them. Students are more motivated when they have choice and they are emotionally attached to a topic.

I hope that you will spend time at your daughters' school to gain a sense of the kind of educational experience that ought to be available to all children in this country. I taught for six years at another small Friends' school in California in the 1980s. It inspired the work that I've been doing in higher education for the past 20 years. I've been striving to bring the kinds of educational experiences that were so meaningful to students at the John Woolman School to students in public schools. What was central at that school and most Quaker schools I've visited is a deep respect for each person and a valuing of their voice in decision-making. Quakers understand and enact democracy and humane education in ways that few other groups do in this country. I hope that you will be able to learn from them and bring those insights into the bully pulpit of your office. If you have a chance, look up David Mog at Sidwell Friends School. He showed me around the middle school building in November. He's truly a remarkable teacher.

It's about time!

"As a dedicated high school teacher/ coordinator in Los Angeles for the past 15 years, and as a adjunct professor in Education at Cal State University Northridge I feel the hope of a better future for our students and teachers. We need to focus on quality after-school enrichment programs,part time internship- type jobs, eliminate the soul crushing high stakes testing, and adopt the social/emotional standards K-12 of Illinoise which support the Whole Child.(intellectual and emotional). I know we can do this and more, and I am willing to help.
Sincerely, Julie Anna Glynn"

Please move America beyond the current "accountability" lock on standardized tests. We need to focus on programs, support, and opportunity. Test data is meaningful if given to teachers to use diagnostically. It is harmful when used by corporate America and the media to judge schools. The pressure of rigid test outcomes is hurting childhood in America.

"I've believed since the Call to Renewal speech you gave us on faith in Democratic politics, June 2006. You need to regularly call upon Americans to sacrifice more for quality public education."

I am a retired school superintendent, still involved in education primarily through non-profit work both in the US and outside of the US. I'm so encouraged and will volunteer to help in any way that I can to make the changes proposed by the work of the Forum for Education and Democracy. Feel free to call on me.

"I vow to give my best to my students each and everyday. I teach ninth grader World History and a literacy class to struggling students. Helping students succeed and see the value of their learning is my greatest joy. I promise to be a positive change in my school and community.

I am National Board Certified Teacher and model excellence and lifelong learning for my students, my colleagues and my community. Please continue to support National Board Certification because it cultivates professional pride. "

We are getting hit hard southern CA. My hope is that our students don't have to suffer too much because of all of it. With all the crime, drugs, and poverty in this community they don't need anything more standing in their way. I need to help make a difference! YES, I CAN, I AM, & I WILL!

I am an advocate for at-risk youth and I work with pre-service teachers to help them understand the challenges and barriers kids in the public school system face - often alone. I support any legistlation that shows that they understand contempory and systemic barriers that impede progress toward graduation.

"As a school social worker,every day when I visit the schools that I serve I see future Presidents and leaders in the faces of our community's children. Children from single parent families,who live in poverty, some with little or no adult supervision, and no one pushing them to succeed, to tell them that there are more options available to them. America's victory on November 4th, 2008, did not escape them! My message to them since that day has been NO MORE EXCUSES! You have a President that has experienced life just like you. There is no reason why you can't be just as succesfful and then some!My question to them? WWOD-What would Obama do?
We are ready for change-our future depends on it!!"

"President-Elect Obama,
Children are our future. Help us give them to knowledge and skills to be productive citizens in this global community. With your help, WE WILL!!"

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 23, 2009 at 1:35pm

"We are looking for distribution and content partners for a special report we are doing on the rise of gun violence among African American youth.

This is not our official correspondence or anything. But just a note to let you know exactly what we are doing, what we are seeking in terms of participation and who are already partnered with. We are theloop21.com, a new media company that focuses on news and analysis that is of relevance to minority communities. We are doing a short-term project on the crisis of youth violence.

The stories you will hear and the research you will read in this special report won't be anything new to you. But we are trying to package and deliver this information a little differently. For instance, being that we are new media and not traditional print journalism, it will be a mix of stories, video, first-person essays, a poll, and an active forum where readers can interact with the website. Each separate report, will accompany a very targeted distribution list, of comunity agencies, alternative media outlets, churches, ethnic media organizations, etc. So far, we have gotten partnerships from the million moms march, brothers against guns, color of change and the violence prevention institute.

We are focusing on agencies with like-minded interest. Ultimately, this will hopefully get us a little bit more recognition in the communities where we want to establish our brand. But, also, we hope this will genuinely create more awareness about the issues we cover.

We are seeking participation in at least one of the following ways.
-We would like to display our content on your web site.
- We would like to draft an electronic message that includes the content and a comprehensive resource list to your mailing list. We know people are very hesitant about releasing their databases. So for this, we can draft the message for you and deliver it to you in any form you want. Then you could email it out to folks at your leisure, or even attached with a personal message.
- We are also soliciting essays on the issue of gun violence/adolescent crime. If any of your staff or clients have personal experiences they want to share, either by doing an interview, writing their experiences in their own word or sitting down for a short video segment, please let us know.
-- We just want any help you can offer in getting the word out.

In return, considering the folks that you help us get this information out to, and the other groups who have already agreed to do the same thing, we have a greater chance at building awareness about this issue we both care deeply about. We have a greater opportunity to market this cause. At a time, when community building and marketing are critical to financial sustainability.

The premise of this work is based on research released two days ago at Northeastern University. It indicates that many parts of the our nation has moderated its homicide rates. For most races, violent crime and homicides have declined significantly. Homicides among black folks, too, have declined.

But our youth have not been so lucky.

Homicides involving black youth (under the age of 25) whether they are homicides or
perpetrators have increased more than 40 percent in the last seven years.

About 85 percent of homicides involving young people are gun-related.
In some of urban centers, people under the age of 25 are making up half of all homicides.

This is all tragic but unfortunately nothing new. That is why we are going beyond the traditional medium of delivery and packaging to get the word out and build awareness.

So, that's my spiel. It's completely off the cuff. And official press release will come later.
At this point, I am just trying to gauge interest in the project.

Sincerely,
Devona Walker
818-981-4141 ext. 103

NCLB does not address the concept of the Whole Child. Schools need to be able to meet emotional and developmental needs of ALL students. Any revision of NCLB needs to include this concept if all students are to become engaged learners and achieve academically.

To "give up" on schools is to "give up" on our future. Giving up is not an option. "Looking toward" the future and "taking care" of the future is our salvation, our hope, our joy. Yes, we should. Yes, we can. Yes, we will.

Education Education Education thats what makes a difference
We must move past the "status quo" in our educational offerings towards creating learning for every child and involving students in the planning and evaluating of their educational opportunities. It takes caring about our future and a williness to accept ALL.

I completely support President Elect Obama and The Forum for Education and Democracy. I hope he makes education for all a top priority.

As an educator in a diverse public school, I applaud this initiative, video and petition. Thanks for the efforts, and we await President-elect Obama's support with hope and anticipation.

I sign this with great belief and hope. I know that it will take a collaborative effort and that we indeed will craft a meaningful future for our children if we align our hopes, beliefs, and legisltion with research and best practices in teaching and learning.

Listen to student stories to hear some truth about their experience in schools today. Ask them if they want to be engaged, challenged and inspired.

NYC needs better public schools!

Together...we can and yes, we will if we remember this country is of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE and for the PEOPLE.

Mr. President: It is imperative that campaign rhetoric become action. "No Child Left Behind" was a good sound byte but it is time that it become a realistic reform policy. You have chosen top quality leaders for your education policy team. Please listen to the advice these professional eductors give so that you can become the mouth piece and conduit for true workable reform in education. We are tired of "reform" being used as a battering ram to make us in education and the populace believe public education is out of touch and ineffective. Please use this unique opportunity you have in history to be a catalyst for change that will open the doors of education to all children so that truly no child will be left behind.

"A solid and progressive education is essential!

Our kids deserve the best we can give."

Our children are the future. If we fail to protect and teach them, our tomorrow's will be lost.

Let us do whatever we can to bring the power of education to the hands of the people and the youth.

As an educator committed to Social Justice, I am hopeful and prayerful that the incoming Obama administration will heed the call to equalize access to opportunity for ALL children. The country has a new energy even in light of a daunting, sloping economy because of the charisma and openess to new and innovative ideas held by the Obama administration. Teachers committed until the end..... we are out here, Mr. President...find us, include us and count on us! God Bless!

Thank you, as always, for continuing to tell the story our country's leaders need to hear. We at Center for Inspired Teaching look forward to working with you!

I grew up in a trailor park and my husband in rent controlled housing in the Bronx. We both now have wonderful lives and careers after receiving excellent educations, culminating in graduate degrees from our best schools. I want this for all the kids in my daughters first grade class in Evanston, IL, and I want it for all the other young boys and girls who may not have been born to privilege but have hopes and dreams and talent.

Yes education is very important and this should be a priority on any education level.

Let's do it!

We can turn schools around just as we can help each individual student realize his/her potential! So, yes, I can and I will.

Don't forget the programs that help parents to be more involved in their children's education (parenting education programs, ESL programs for parents, financial literacy for parents, GED programs, and other adult education programs that empower adults to be active learners and teachers).

Just go for it!!!!

As a parent and an upcoming teacher, I want the best for my children and my students. I believe that every child learns differently and shouldn't be judged by a standardized test. Our children are the future and if we don't fix the system now they won't have a chance. As a parent I have experienced teachers that just don't care, especially with the student that learns differently (my daughter has dyslexia and was treated in the public school system as though she would never be able to learn anything) these are the teachers that need to either be suspended or retaught their skills. I pray that President Obmama helps all our children.

Education is the solution to every problem.

Let's replace standardized education with a truly democratic system that honors the diversity of learners and offers numerous alternatives.

Please get rid of No Child Left Behind, it does more harm than good for not just the students but the teachers as well.

We need to invest in education, as that will give us a bigger rs can ever do!eturn on our dollar than any tax cut

Let's make it happen!

Be very bold in allocating funds for Pre-K to 16 education! Teachers and students need SUPPORT not punitive measures. Go to www.whatkidscando.org to see great examples!
"I am executive director for the Cobscook Community Learning Center located in the poor rural region of easternmost Maine. Yes! Strong democracies and just societies are the fruits of visionary education and social investment. We celebrate this collective commitment and join in with great conviction and determination. Respectfully, Alan Furth"

It is time to fully fund NCLB and increase teacher pay to compete with higher industry salaries, especially in Math and Science.

Alternative public schooling has been a lifesaver for ourselves and our children. Please support progressive ideas in education so that all our children are served and not just the norm, the main stream children. With increased funding to these types of schools, fewer children will be pulled out of the system to be home schooled and more children will get the support they need to learn and grow into productive and well-adjusted members of society.

Please make education one of your highest priorities. It truly is the foundation for our democracy and well being and it is the key to equal opportunity. I pledge to do all I can to work with your administration to accomplish the goals of high quality education for all children. Thank you.

It all starts with education...

I am already fighting for my children and there education at the local level please do not lets us down and fight at your level.

I am a teacher in an independent school for public school high school dropouts. My students are teen parents and have been marginalized by the system. I go to their homes to work with them literally from where they live. We need support for these young people, support for home visiting programs that work with them on their parenting skills, so they and their children will not stay marginalized, but will become contributors to our society.

My husband, James, and I are retired 30 yr of service teachers here in Rowan Co NC. I loved teaching as long as I was able to teach concepts of science and health that I believed were really life skills and understanding of our environment. Then, there came the period of teaching to the test. It became harder to interest students. Change needs to occur. Also, teachers are not rewarded. When I retired in 1996 with 30 yrs service plus a masters degree my salary was $42,000. Change is NEEDED!

NYS Teachers Centers provide professional development and training to support NYS Teachers in ensuring that our students have opportunities and access to a 21st century education. Please urge Governor Patterson to support the work of the Teacher Center program.

If every member of Congress was required to enroll his or her children in public schools, the problem would be solved in a hurry!

Our country is founded on the principle of "government of the people, by the people, and for the people"--which assumes an active, thoughtful citizenry. In these challenging times, it is more evident than ever that the survival of democracy depends on public education!
My wish is that the voices of teachers, students and families would guide policy and funding decisions so that conditions to honestly live up to our ideals for every child would be realized.

As a teacher, I will do what I can to help achieve these goals. I believe in you and support you wholly in your effort to give us hope again.

Our children are the future of this country. We need to make them a top priority. My daughter is in 8th grade and her education, so far, has been okay. I want it to be good or great. There is too much emphasis on testing and technology. A lap top for every student (Talbot County Public Schools Lap Top program) doesn't guarantee every child improves academically and becomes enlightened and educated. Academics first, technology second! Please make education a priority. The children of this soon to be great again country deserve the best education possible!

The future of our great nation depends on those who will inherit if from us.

Everyday, I see children who will not be able to grab hold of the American Dream because their schools lack resources-financial and material- to help them. Let's work together to change this I know that we can.

Please bring this to fruition! And thank you for believing.

Yes We Will!

"We need to respect the fact that local control is the key to making the local educational opportunities relevant to LOCAL community values and cultural environment of all of the children that are served in their school district or are home schooled. AND that includes equal educational and funding opportunities for rural America. Carole Custer, County Commissioner and Child Advocate"

We've already gotten started!

" One does not fatten cattle by weighing them, nor educate children by testing them. Teaching is an art, not a science."

"President Obama: We are ready to work with you to provide excellent public education opportunities for all in this country. Let us work with you. Ken Rolling"

Keep the hope spiraling around the world. Peggy Swapp

"Please assist us in the organizing that is needed/and is currently going on to improve schools in our communities. Provide the needed leadership! Thank you."

Accountability and Truth matter!

Parents, teachers, administrators, students, university faculties, and politicains need to collaborate and communicate to create true synergism that will improve education.
Please do not forget to support Charter Schools.

There is nothing more important than this!

As you know, class and classism are at the heart of many of our country's problems. I look forward to working with you!

I will do my part to help educate our children.

Children are our most important natural resource. This is our future.

This video has a strong message. There are subtle comments that need to be louder! We need learning communities in our schools where teachers work collaboratively to increase student learning. WE need a new definition of student learning and new measures of success if students are going to be successful in the chaotic world we are living in!

Our system of education was founded with two equally important missions, to prepare our youth for the workplace and for engaged, informed citizenship. Today the focus has swung too far towards preparation for the workplace at the expense of helping students become engaged knowledgeable citizens. Please restore the civic mission of schools. Please visit the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools at www.civicmissionofschools.org to learn more. Thank you!

President Obama, You and your administration are our hope for the future our children will inherit. We may be facing the most tumultous time in our history - financially and philosophically - and I pledge to do my part as a citizen of this great nation to assist you.

America's children are the best and the brightest. Let's make certain that their educational experience enables them to fully develop and utilize whatever talents they have.
I believe in public education, and I believe in our youth. Schools should not be a place where students are categorized by what they know and do not know, or a place where their worth is determined by how well they can report information to tests. Schools need to become supportive places where students can practice skills and exhibit strengths, where different answers are valuable, and where students can expand their visions of the world while making real changes.

Education is THE solution. Period.

Yes we can, and we must!

Massachusetts has established a Special Commission on Civic Engagement and Learning to help prepare the youth of the Commonwealth to be informed, engaged citizens.
We much strengthen our education systems in the US. It is the basis for all long term achievements.

Every family deserves support to provide their children with high quality care from birth to five. Since up to 90% of brain development occurs before children enter school, it is essential that we support families by ensuring high-quality child care, with well-prepared, well-supported, equitably compensated early childhood teachers.

"All of us as Americans have to advocate for quality public education. It clearly is the ""entitlement"" of a democracy and a participatory citizenry. Lydia Bornick"

Very nicely done. The images of young people and young teachers are quite compelling. I was struck, though, by the lack of images of parents who care so deeply about these same issues and deserve policies that enable them to participate in ways that advance educational equity and democracy.

This is a terrific film that should be shown to groups of students,parents, teachers and administrators and used to get them to sign on

Keep moving forward!

We need to continue education our young people and everyone who can make a positive difference in this country. Pam

America's future rests on the strength of public education.

We have no resource more valuable than our children.

I think reform should be targeted at first to schools that have been identified as needing better physical and educational resources, so that the energy and funds are not dissipated. The wealthier suburban high schools are not in need of much help. I think certain regions should be targeted and results monitored etc. Some kind of criteria should be established quickly about where to begin and efforts should start as soon as possible.

"Having been a public educator in K-12 schools for 32 years, I have watched our society and our government become progressively apathetic to education. It brings
tears to my eyes and an unrelenting ache in my heart. Our children deserve so much more. Every child in this country does deserve a world class education. Please embrace your words and make them a reality. Make education a priority. It has certainly waited long enough to be recognized. As an instructor of graduate courses in school leadership and administration, I tell each class that my passion is to see our country provide an exemplary education for all children from preschool through post secondary. We need a revolution - a peaceful, yet forceful, group of people who will not sit still and watch our nation fall apart. A group of believers who will stand up and say - this is not right - this is America - teach our children, all of them, in a respectful and meaningful way. Give them a chance! M. Seger, Ed.D./PSU."

Ensuring that our children have access to the best educational resources available is the primary step in preparing them to be productive members of a civil society.

It's the only hope we have.

It's not just about teaching the young, but about nurturing their hearts and souls. What we are comes from the inside, not only the outside.

Please make education a high priority as you help us undo the disaster of the Bush Administration

Please, please repeal the unjust Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision laws. If you don't, then take Social Security away from those who have a private pension, too. Best wishes.

Committing to our nation's children is the single most important thing our new president can do. With all of the other important issues out there, please put our children first.

"To the extent that the federal government already funds many programs affecting school children, we can get a lot more bang for our bucks by coordinating and integrating those programs at the top in a Presidential Office for Education.

On the ground there are many many people, including those with no personal connection to kids now in school, who would eagerly get involved if the educational system itself understood how to use them. Districts don't do well at mobilizing parents and/or the community at large because they are so disoriented by the inadequacies and underfunding of No Child Left Behind, the almost universal uncertainty of budget cuts that come every year and discourage talented people from pursuing careers in education. Repairing these essential components of good schools is a state legislative responsibility, and there doesn't seem to be much improvement at that level to support necessary changes in the way we educate our children or what we teach them. The heroic drop=out rate, in states across the country demonstrates that this is not a local problem but a national one. We do need a lot more local involvement, but we need at least as much an infusion of political will to support educational improvement over the long term. Annual budgets bumping along, up and down, year to year are too unstable to support broad-reaching necessary growth in the effectiveness of our K-16 systems across the country."

I'm on board. Count me in.

I am a teacher in an Ohio public school. Please honor the promise to fund public education. It is really needed!

Quality public education that meets the needs of our young people is the very least we must do as a prominent, powerful nation. Thanks you for making quality education a priority!!

Our children represent the future of this country and their teachers consequently possess a huge responsibility in the shaping of that future. These teachers must be supported and paid in a manner that reflects that great responsibility.

One of the teachers in that video is my daughter.

We much start doing education in a 21st century way.

These four core principles capture the essence of what will make the policy more just and fair.

Education is the fundamental change that can bring about the kind of transformation that our nation and world truly needs to move away from violence and war to peace and justice and fulfillment for all.

I am in full support of making education a priority. Have we looked into how other countries do it? We need to make sure all schools have the same standards, same resources, same monies evenly distributed. And, we need to make sure that ELL classrooms and poor neighborhoods actually receive an additional funding to help fill in the gaps that are caused by those situations. we need to have free-preschool, free afterschool programs for anyone who needs them. Other countries do it. Why can't we?

Dear President-elect Obama, Excellence in education for all American children is a key to our future. Please consider this petition seriously as you move forward with your view of our future.

"Please do not reauthorize NCLB in any manner or form as the law itself is insidious and not worthy of providing a National direction for the public schools of our country.
We need a new name and a new beginning--at least a return it's
predecessor, ESEA. Also, sound research dealing with the brain and child development should form the basis for any new initiative and not hidden or personal political agendas. "

I am working on this issue for the Minneapolis schools with the Gamaliel organization of ISAIAH. We would really appreciate your support in our efforts to provide a wonderful education for all of our children. Please continue to support these efforts.

Yes, we need to concretely and financially better support teachers.
Married to a public school teacher. Mother of a publich high school freshman. Living in California.

Teachers need time to draw out the student's potential. They shouldn't waste time teaching them how to pass a standardized test so they get their funding. Give them power to succeed.

On New Years-eve, I a man told me that all democrats want is a hand out. I can not beleive the ignorance! All we want as "Americans". is a good education that creats self-confidence, and job security for our future, our childrens future and their children.

God bless you, Mr. President. Wishing you and your lovely family a very rewarding 2009.

"The students of New Orleans continue to struggle in the aftermath of the Hurricanes of 2005. Many of our special education students and our students from poor neighborhoods are suffering in an unjust system. Please remember the children and youth of New Orleans. May God bless you as you work to provide opportunities for all of America's youth. Sincerely, Brenda Billips Square, New Orleans"

I am dedicated to the work of public schools in the education, nurturing, and preparation for life given to our youth. Check our website www.projectcape.org to see what ordinary people can do as partners. Yes we will!

As a dean of a school of education, we expect the new administration to support with funding initiatives that will make a real difference for students in all schools.

"Aloha,You are the Dream! Mahalo"

President-Elect Obama has created an environment of hope where hopelessness once reigned. And it feels so warm and safe. Thanks Obama.

Please visit schools across the nation. The discrepancies will guide you to make sound decisions.

even in these difficult times we cannot loose site of the importance of education to our future."

Every community deserves an equal chance to offer children a 21st century education! Our children are our most important, precious resource. They are our leaders of tomorrow. Please make them your #1 priority. If you don't make them #1, all the other good work you will do will be for naught! Thanks. I am so very glad you're holding the leadership reigns of our country.

I am a teacher and I agree with this video.

Now is the time for radical change of many types. With education it's time to return to the value that we placed on it and to make it a true way to level the playing field no matter what circumstance a child comes from.

I am a special education teacher in Baltimore. To make education accessible to all students, provide paraprofessionals in every classroom to assist teachers and lower student/adult ratios. Train teachers to supervise and guide paraprofessionals.
Too many disadvantaged students are being disenfranchised purely on their color and geographic area. Many are not awar of te "value of higher ducation" which is between $1.6 and $1.9 million dollars.

I graduated from Harvard Education School with a Master's Degree in School Counseling and am now hard at work in a job that I love as a high school counselor in a Boston Public School. My students deserve to have a quality education, yet I fear that budget cuts are a real threat to that quality. The young people I work with matter. Their futures should not be put at risk.

"HOPE! What an exciting time. I am 57 years old. I have never felt such hope and a sence that change is in the air that will make a difference in th remainder of my life and in my childrens lives.

the need to follow through has never been greater

"Dear President Elect Obama,
Thank you for your interest and attention to the educational system in our country. No Child Left Behind, while noble in its conception, desperately needs revising. Improving teacher support and increasing student services (ie counseling, social work, nursing services) will help improve student achievement and close the achievement gap between majority and minority students. As a director of Student Services and former substance abuse counselor, I know of the challenges that our schools face. We are hopeful that the Obama administration will breathe new life into the federal Department of Education. Educators are ready to do what is needed to bring this country's educational system to greatness. Yes, I will."

Change must be from the bottom up. We have focused on the preschooler now we need to make certain the higer grades are meeting the needs for each and every child!

As an early childhood director, I firmly know that is where change begins working with children and their families to set up learning for life. Support early childhood for everyone. Integrate thes programs!

By the time many children get to school, they have already been deprived of the foundation needed to grow into smart, healthy, and caring adults. Let's close the achievement gap before students start Kindergarten by providing universal preschool programs of high quality.

Let's put education first and rebuild our future.

Please continue to support all levels of education with adequate funding.

Yes we cannn!!!!

I teach at the community college level. I see young people wanting to learn and wanting to make a difference. I work in the Criminal Justice Dept. and it is about hope and change!

I work at the American University in Cairo and the ideals that Barack Obama have promised for American students also apply to my (Egyptian) American students. Promises are only good if they are kept. President Obama has become a symbol throughout the world for the promises he has made, both to Americans and to the world. Please don't let us down.

I am a high school history and government teacher. We need to make education - and education funding - a priority in this country to ensure that our children can compete in the future. Our teachers need access to new technologies and resources.

The message is uplifting; can it be delivered.

God bless you and our young people...our future.

Please focus on inner city communities in our 100 largest cities. I encourage a stimulus package to focus on public transit, school buildings (remodeling or rebuilding), local business development, teacher support and appreciation, quality childcare, housing remodeling & rebuilding, etc. Thank you.

START YOUR ADMINISTRATION OFF RIGHT BY SEEING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SENDS THE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO EACH STATE. THIS WILL SHOW THE WORLD THAT YOUR ADMINISTRATION FULLY SUPPORTS EDUCATION.TREAT THE CHILDREN OF THE UNITED STATES AS A TOP PRIORITY INSTEAD OF USING THE MONEY TO BAIL OUT EVERYONE ELSE WHO COULDN'T DO THE JOB THE JOB THEY WERE OVERPAID TO DO.

Yes we must!

Yes, i AM.

I am a 7th grade teacher. I believe in quality education and the future of our students.

" As part of the commitment to providing a 21st century education, I believe that it is important to use the ""bully pulpit"" to instigate a national dialogue on the goals and purposes of K-12 education. I believe that fulfilling John Dewey's concept that education is the midwife of democracy requires a national core curriculum for the 6-11th grades that teaches a ""culture of democracy"" as the fundamental cultural identity of the United States. This argument is outlined in my book, NURTURING THE SOULS OF OUR CHILDREN: Education and the Culture of Democracy. But only the voice of a president for change is strong enough to initiate this dialogue. Robert Mitchell"

A viable public education system is fundamental, if a multi-cultural, representative democracy is to exist.

Where would our world be without public education?

"In order to turn this country around financially we need to have a strong public school system ready to produce an educated multilingual, multicultural group of young adults. That is the only way that we will be prepared to compete globally. We live in a new era with a new globally interdependent society. Education is the key to success. Funding our schools and training our teachers should be a top priority. An action plan is called for now!"

I hope that we provide excellence and equity in public schools, no matter where they are located.

Native Americans on the reservations and the urban areas lack the fundamental skills of learning and achieving higher education. Most have a high rate of alcoholism and diabetes in their families. Most lack the opportunities of learning and living in a structured family environment. The appropriations and school environments need to incorporate the necessary healing and skills they need to progress with the rest of society. In their behalf will you as President help them and they need advocacy in Washington! Let there be hope and change for the Native American especially the young people. They need to be prepared for the 21st Century. Place the Native Americans on your priority list and enforce

YES I WILL.

I am a mother of two school-age sons, an elected member of the Mercer County, WV Board of Education, and a part time employee for the Vice President of Student Affairs at a small state university with a teacher education program. I see first hand every day the great needs in our system of public education. In WV, we are especially suffering from very weak secondary education, low college going rates, the negative impacts of school consolidation, and poor quality teacher preparation. I look forward to working with the new administration to make real improvements for the future of my sons and every child.

"I am a teacher at a small public school in Oakland. We need your support to help our low income student(nearly all of our students are below the poverty line)get the education they deserve and so desperately need. The murder rate in our city is rising. The overall crime rate is rising too. I worry that in the coming years more of my students will end up in jail than in college. And yet I know that the only way for them to have another path to choose is for them to get a quality education. Please help me provide that for all of our children. Thank you."

Public school principals are key leaders of positive change in our education system. As a career administrator, I welcome the spirit of hope that President-elect Obama brings to us and look forward to working with him to focus on high-quality education for all of our students.

"President Obama,
Please honor your commitment to make Public Education a priority in your administration."

In addition to high quality public education, I urge you to support efforts to provide family-supporting jobs for Americans since there is a high correlation between school success and socio-economic status of the child's family.

"I am a parent organizerin Newark. We help parents and students to deal with educational issues that will improve the pblic schools. Mr. President Obama, please make this apiority. Pat Jelly"

The children are our future and we as educators are working hard to prepare them for it - are we being supported? Do we have the funds we need to do the things we need to do? The answer to both is no - but we can and we will with hope and change!!

"Our children and families are counting on you and truly believe you will keep your promise to prioritize the improvement of America's public educational system. By looking to experts in that field, such as its teachers and unions, you will get a true sense of how to proceed in order to sustain real and substantive changes already being made by small, inclusive, progressive schools all over the country such as the one you and Michelle chose for your own family recently.

We know you agree that all of America's families should benefit from the kind of holistic, enriched and balanced educational programs these schools offer. The vision of ""school as community"" is a key feature of their success; seeing the various constituencies of a school, the children and their families, the faculty and its administration as one whole, not just parts of an ""institution"" is vital to the success of this process of positive change. That vision incorporates the many ways in which communities sustain themselves, from its internal life, its history, rituals and traditions to the more practical aspects of its existence such as its actual programming and even its finances.

We stand alongside you and Michelle in working towards this positive change for all of America's students and families and teachers, Yes We Do. We know that with your guidance and leadership, it is possible to make that positive change become real and sustainable.

We teachers know we must do it for the sake of the nation and our future.

YES WE CAN,
Sincerely,
Louisa Cruz-Acosta,
2nd/3rd Grade Teacher -
Muscota New School,(P.S. 314)
New York City, NY"

No matter the age of the learner, access to the Internet for information, dialogue, and commerce is a necessity in today's world. We must provide equity in access to technology and the Internet. Please make this a priority.

Please make education a top priority!

Please help us help students in productive and effective ways to meet the challenges of the 21st century. I'm counting on you, President Obama. You can count on me, too. Thank you!

As a career educator and administrator who has has contact (hopefully very positively) with thousands of students, I implore you to raise education to the highest level priority within your administration. An informed, motivated, and inquiring populace can help to secure our future.

As a former elementary teacher and teacher educator I support this with all my heart. However, I also realize that President-elect has so much on his "plate" that we must be patient and give him and his administration time to set priorities and realistic goals.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 23, 2009 at 1:59pm

"Mr. Obama,You may be our last hope on this subject. Please - work with us for our education system, our teachers, but most of all, for our kids."

"I am a fifth grade teacher in Ramsey, NJ. We are over 500 days without a contract, in a well-known district. I hope that Obama will give funding to schools in towns that are well off, as well as all other districts. Sometimes the well off towns are over-looked because others think we don't need the funding. Truth being told EVER school needs help.

Mr. President Elect please help the schools. Mrs. Kirch"

One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.

I was a special education teacher in an urban school. I left the profession (hopefully temporarily) because of frustration regarding irresponsible inclusionary practices and because of administrators taking advantage of underprivileged parents/guardians not knowing their rights in demanding appropriate services for their children. I applaud President-Elect Obama's recognition that we need to concentrate on the birth-to-five population. I will help however I can.

our children deserve this and more.

High quality education is the very foundation of our democracy. In the long run, and perhaps even in the short run, our democracy, our civil society, our economy, and our security depend on our delivering on a promise of high quality education for ALL. To be effective, educators simply must understand forces that impact the whole of society and consider their implications for education. The education system should help create good citizens, who are employable and connected to fast-changing global society. Schools and colleges should also help people understand that another benefit of education is a more interesting life. Bottom line, our schools and colleges should discover and develop the genius that is already there in every students, in every educator, and in every member of the community. Thank you for supporting education that truly prepares our students for life in a global knowledge/information age. Gary Marx

In the midst of all the challenges the education of our children is near the top.

We dont'have a minute to wait for the "whole" education of our children.

Now is the time for us to truly take stock of how we spend our resources in our country and how we serve our children!

"No Child Left Behind has done much more to hurt children than to help them. Emphasis must be placed back on meaningful learning not over testing. Fix school funding! Joette weber"

Remember EACH student should be challenged

Let's keep the youth in mind... Daughters grow up to be mothers, and sons, fathers.... Let's make a difference by putting them first, education & health care are the people's biggest needs.

I am a high school teacher in Boston reminding you that this country's future depends on the education of our children, which requires a well-funded education and health care. Invest in the future!

There are many out of work experts who may make good teachers. Please provide crash courses in practical teaching for them and get them into classrooms quickly without all the bureaucratic certification nonsense.

Addressing the needs of students in public education IS the economy; it IS national security; it is what we must do now.

Boston Arts Academy - A public pilot high school for the visual and performing arts.

In these times of economic turmoil, please do not loose site of the fundamental importance of support for high quality public education for each student.

We who work in public schools and universities cannot wait for a federal partnership that respects the efforts of educators, citizens, and students and puts resources behind its requirements for higher and more equitable achievement for all Americans.

Thank you for giving us hope again

"As an educator, I have experienced the heartbreak of students who are trapped, trying to begin their working lives with only an attendance certificate to begin their journey. I do agree, whole-heartedly, that we owe all students the best education we can possibly supply, no matter their ethnicity, geographic location, or any other relevant variable; yet, I feel for students who do not test well or simply cannot retain the information that has been presented to them. In this regard, we have begun to perpetuate a poverty ridden class. Without a basic high school diploma, these students are denied higher paying jobs and stripped of their dreams before they can even begin to build them.

Teachers are denied the opportunity to verify that students are capable of any level of achievement, simply because bureaucrats feel that they know best. I will lend my voice, passion, and any expertise to change this policy because it does not serve our students as it should."

I have worked as an teacher, educational researcher, facilitator of professional development and curriculum design, and teacher educator for my entire career of 33 years. It is so disheartening to see the intelligence, energy, dedication, and commitment of thousands of educators in this country who are routinely battered by cuts, shifting political will, and mandates that reduce their professional reach.

PLEASE support public education -- in this time of fiscal crisis, our children deserve to be our first priority.

We need to make changes based on what's good for students, not what is political. I will continue to behave as though I believe that.

I see a lot of wonderful things happening in the San Francisco school district where we live - please help the communities all over the United States continue that work for our children.

Build on the proven track record and existing infrastructure of TRiO programs such as Upward Bound to support the efforts of low income and/or first generation students to graduate from high school and college. Currently funded to serve only a small fraction of all eligible students, additional funding would quickly bring effective services to needy students across the nation.

Good work.

I teach in an independent study school. Almost of my students can do and learn EXCEPT that many of my students are in personal survival mode so learning is secondary. We need to get health and economic issues on the right track so that education can be a focus and not day-to-day survival!
eliminate standardized tests who benefit no one except the testing industry

Count on me for support in the Southern NH region!

NCLB must be rewritten!

"President Obama: Our youth is our future and educating them should be our number one priority. We need your help!"

We cannot afford not to take advantage of this opportunity.

I teach kids from a low socio-economic neighborhood. They deserve a top-notch education, and Arizona does a very poor job at funding education. I think that all states should be mandated to provide a mininmum funding level set by the federal government. Kids in Arizona deserve an education as good as the kids in New York or Massachusetts.

" I am part of a group currently called The Coalition for Human Greatness, which includes Lynn Stoddard, Dorothy Rupert, Susan Ohanian and many more.
I am most afraid that Congress may not realize that conventional assesment by standardized academic tests has been destroying both education
and democracy, and pumping more money in this direction would be counter-productive to enhancing education - and that it's not the curriculum, but choices and personalization that makes for the best schools, best teaching, and most effective education that allows every person to become great, fulfilled, productive adults.

As a fairly young public school teacher at a high performing school for the visual and performing arts it saddens and worries me as we move into a time where budget cuts will cause teachers to loose jobs, students are faced with larger class sizes, additional arts programs will be cut, and student support programs for our most vulnerable students will disappear. I call on the Obama administration to do the right thing and support, by funding an investment in all of our futures: the public education of our young people.

"Please make education for our young people a high priority! Mark Wolfe"

"Very best and prayers every day, Melia"

Yes we can! Thank you for inspiring us, and God bless you as President. You have my support!

As a 70+ year old and tutor in an inner-city school my experience says we must address education for all now.

I am concerned about your choice of Arne Duncan for secretary of education. What message does that send that you chose someone with no background in education to lead our nation's schools? Would you send your children to a school led by people who were not education professionals? Since, in fact, you did not send them to schools led by Arne Duncan, we know the answer to that. If he is not good enough for your children, why do you think he is good enough for ours? We know the conservative right like people like Arne Duncan and Joel Klein, and villify education professionals like Linda Darling-Hammond and Diane Ravitch, but the conservative right did not elect you. Please remember who did.

As an activist in education reform, and author and lecturer on 21st century curriculum design, and a committed believer in democratic reforms to our system of public education, I wholeheartedly support the purpose and intent of this petition initiative.

I have always believed that any child you comes into my classroom has the ability to learn and it is my job to insure that they have the tools to do so. We need to stop testing and start teaching the critical thinking skills that our students need to be successful and happy in their careers and life

"As a teacher and a mom, yes we can has to be 'we must"". I echo the sentiments that evaluation is not a standard test but a review of real learning. Please. let's do. I am happy t sit on any action forums to do so."

"Our visiion is that all kids deserve A's...Access, Assets, Activities, Adults(who care) and Advocacy!!!! Yes I will."

"Happy to sign the petition.... ONCE OBAMA WALKS THE TALK.......that every american child has the best education..... [first 10 seconds of the you tube video]
yet, his children are NOT ATTENDING a public school ? why ? what does he mean by ""every child"".....WHEN ARE WE REALLY GOING TO STAND UP AND SAY....EVERY ELECTED OFFICIAL IN THE UNITED STATES, PRESIDENT, SENATOR, HOUSE OR REPS AND APOINTED OFFICER BY THE PRESIDENT MUST SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL.....? then and only then we will we start to see change. When this law is passed, then I am ready to sign a document for educational change. otherwise it is just HYPER-POLITICAL -MARKETING!!!

Do not just make it change, make it work for all.

What we need most now is hope for the future, quality education and healthcare for our children and our children's children, yes we should, yes we can, and yes I will do whatever I can to support the cause. I am grateful that Obama will be be leading the way, but I believe it will take all of us to get it done.

As an up-and-coming teacher, I support this petition because from the trenches I have witnessed what teachers go through in order to CRAM in the "standards based" education that is required. While I believe teachers should be held accountable, I also think it's important for them to be able to take pause when a student has difficulties, not be forced to press ahead to "get in" the materials that are on "the test". Please take this petition into serious consideration ... in the end it affects US ALL!

This is the most important time in the world's history. We can make it the most positive or negative.

Standardized tests only measure the "standard." What we need is the "excellence that is our potential."

As a school social worker in the public schools in Atlanta and a mother of two, I support any program that will ensure that our children are our country's priority. Thanks for your help.

Education is the most important factor in determining the future success. Please help this generation reach their full potential by giving public education the attention and support it needs and deserves.

More people in our community need to be involved in our children's education. Volunteerism to support students and teachers is key. An extra one hour of one-on-one time with a concerned adult can and does make a difference to students.

Please help us educate the WHOLE child and end this test-taking mentally.

Education helps us all reach our goals!

We need a bail-out too!!!

"Dear President Elect Obama - Our children deserve the best education we can offer them - for free. Our teachers deserve the best incentives to reach for excellence. As we invest in our cuntry's economic recovery, education ought to be at the heart of it. Thank you."

Together, we can do anything. So let's do the things that matter for all of our kids and the adults who support them.

"I believe that education is the only true path to freedom and to making ""The American Dream"" something more than rhetoric for the dienfranchised of this country.

Furthermore, access to affordable and good quality health care is the only way to more evenly balance the power dynamic between capital and labour.

By signing this partition I absolutely do not endorse any particular political dogma but do so out of a recognition that; education is of vital importance, that the current system is woefully inadequate and that the rallying call for change is unlikely to become effective action without grass roots support and pressure."

Please make education a continued priority...we need your support!

American citizens were asked to be ready to pitch in to improve our national situation. I have been and continue to work to improve US public education. If there is something else I can do, I am open to taking it on. Are you?

Although funding of our schools basically comes from local property taxes and city/town budgets, effecting real change relies on a commitment of state and federal government initiatives not only funding. Long term survival of democracy is dependent on an educated electorate. The economic well-being of our citizens and our country depends on appropriate preparation for the workplace and regulation of corporations and all that bring meaningful, adequately compensated employment to our citizens.

It's about time.

Preparation for the critical dialogues of a healthy democracy has been lost in the skill-based NCLB tests. Please add my name to the "Yes We Will petition."

I advocate for needy families everyday for the last 15 years through the Headstart mission as an educator and education mentor.A better quality education is needed for the future young people of America.Together we can make a difference yes we can!

Please explore the importance of educational technology and the best way to fund implementation into curriculum and teacher professional development.

I'm a teacher, but also a parent. I support my children's education, but I want to be sure that everyone's child gets the same focus my children and my students do. Education is the best way to open all the doors that opportunity provides.

Please be true to your word.

Yes We Will do whatever it takes to keep the wheels of progress and hope turning.

As a member of the Board of Trustees for the Ventura Unified School District I am filled with hope that this new administration will value, protect and invest in a strong, progressive education system where children are driven by their aspirations and not bound by their circumstances.

I want better teachers for all children and I'll work toward this goal by working with teachers to help improve their classroom pedagogy and practices.

Public Education is a fundamental building block of democracy. It is essential that we move away from an evolving network of private educators and charter schools for some that leave many of our most vulnerable children behind and re-establish a system that provides an excellent public education for all.

The voice of many (teachers who know how to support and engage students) have been negated by few (administrative focus on standardized test scores). Assessments on learning growth are needed as PART of a diagnostic system, but now as the definitive evaluative system.

Include EARLY childhood education!

Thank you for speaking eloquently about the needs and the possibilities. Let's make it REAL.

President Obama, I am grateful and proud of you as our leader, and I am here to help you help the country. We can make change for the young people of our country and lift up our teachers to support those students. Please help us to facilitate opportunities for our children within the education system and to recognize each student's talents in order for them to find their niche in life, their place to shine and make a difference.

I believe that Obama will bring about good change to America!

I'm a teacher with an advanced degree and I am fearful that my 2 year old daughter will never realize her potential in this crazy educational system.

please keep civic education a priority

Mr. President- In the last week, I have made grown-ups cry as I shared lost resources and lost jobs that are impacting our school district. Our governor has appealed for federal assistance. The cuts are real, the pain is real. Thanks for the hope that you convey. Last week, I captured a statement that rolle off my tongue as I spoke to teachers about the importance of hope. " In these dark economic days, the sun is not shining on Reynoldsburg, nor Ohio, nor the nation. Yet we must toil in the darkness to cultivate the land and plant the seeds of hope so that when the sun does rise, and it will, that we are the first to experience a spring of fresh air and new growth" Dan Hoffman, Assistant Superintendent, Reynoldsburg City Schools.

Yes we are and yes we will

Education is the key to all our of our ails as a society. We must make it a priority.

LETS DO IT...

As a retired teacher and now a substitute teacher I am very concerned about education and what No Child Left Behind has done to our children and teachers. The continual focus on testing leaves little time for real education. Please listen to Linda Darling-Hammond. Please stop the insanity of "No Child Left behind."

I am so hoping that there will be change and better days ahead for education in the United States. We have been mandated to by the federal government in these past 8 years, by people who don't understand education and by some who openly hate US educators and teacher educators. We need change for the better.

Yes We Must.

Yes we will, Just do what you said you would do, President Obama.

Please help us to truly help students learn, and not just provide "teaching".
This is such a great cause. Nothing is more important to our future than the children sitting in classrooms across American. I am a first year 7th grade Communication Arts teacher and I am wholly dedicated to provide these students the opportunities they deserve. Yes I will.

Please consider all schools - not just public schools when considering funding. Private schools are reaching many students in our country's cities with great success.

I am so excited about the possibilities and potential for change. Our children have suffered through 8 long years of failed federal policy. It is time now to move beyond the control and compliance of No Child Left Behind and begin educating the whole child.

I am committed to this cause, both as a teacher and administrator. I hope it involves real, practical change - a complete hands-on overhaul of the system. If it's really "about the kids," the madness must stop.

For the first time, In my life,I am excited about our coutry's president. I am an educator and I have 3 children of my own. THank you President Elect Obama for giving us back the power to believe that WE CAN make a difference in our own lives and those around us.

One parent, one child, one community at a time!

This effort, and a parallel on called Educating for Human Greatness, deserve serious attention.

I would like to see immigration reform as a way to give youth hope and a reason to better themselves. Please make the Dream Act a reality.

All children deserve the best education we can give them. Children in small rural areas deserve the same education as children in affluent schools like Shaker Heights and Upper Arlington. The way schools in Ohio are funded needs to change.

YES I WILL!!

The Boston Public Schools are being asked to absorb cuts of 15% and upwards for the next fiscal year, which will decimate programs at most schools as well as making them out of compliance with state and local laws as well as teacher contracts. Please help us!

I have a lot of hope for this administration and Obama's heart for education. I hope the administration gets past looking at education as a business and see it as the dream many have in it.

i understand the crippling budget constraints and yet knee jerk cuts in education because of the size of the education budget is a terrible, shortsighted strategy. the "dumbing down" of our school districts is a big mistake and money spent on quality education is the best investment this country can make - stop the unfunded mandates, enforce oversight and free up communities to fund their districts as they are able.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't forget Education!!!!

Please make this happen it is importante for the futher of our children.thank you

Please keep the child or the young person at the center of the conversation.

Please find a way to allow for creativity in addressing educational problems. Find a way to get beyond the educational narratives on the right and the left. But please do so with compassion for educators, especially teachers who need support to develop and employ their intellectual and creative power in a profession that has historically expected very little of them beyond adherence to an authority telling them what to do.

Many of us have sacrificed our time, energy, and talents to engage in a new movement for Change. As a part of those efforts we helped to elect you as our President. We want to walk down that path of Change with you. We want to support the message of Change not just in words but in ACTION. Let us be the Change because together, si se puede!

I'm happy to help.

"Yes we can and we will because we do not have any other option.

Good luck Obama. We trust you! Peace, Ofira"

Yes, please, help save our children and their education. They deserve it

Yes We Will!!!

"We are eager to work and welcome your invitation and direction.
Thank you and God bless you and your efforts."

I teach because I share in this vision to educate,nurture,and help prepare every child to meet the challenges of his or her future.

President Obama, please understand that we, the teachers of America, are not seeking merit pay. We are seeking support in the form of respect from parents, respect from students and respect from administrators who will trust our ability to motivate and educate. And we need respect from our government in the form of witnessing our children as more than test results. Please eliminate the insanity of the standardized test culture by minimizing its importance. Merit pay will promote greed, corruption and poor practice. We don't teach for the money. We teach for the glory of affecting our children. Allow us to do that by eliminating the "failing" label and by humanizing NCLB.

Our future depends on what we do right now! Invest in the children today!

thank you for your work.

Let's start by bringing the National Blue Ribbon School Program back to the mission of supporting real school improvement based on real, honest, proven best practices!

Thank you for supporting America's teachers.

No Child Left Behind is a failure... ask any educator! It needs to be changed to more positively reflect the needs of our children and educators. Teachers need to be held accountable and, in turn, rewarded (economically) more significantly for their successes. We are losing the battle and we need to get better.

"Every child must have access to ongoing, affordable health care.This is a MUST!"

I am signing as an officer of the nonprofit Citizens for Public Schools, as a seasoned volunteer mentoring children in the public middle schools and teacher in early education, and as an education activist. One size does not fit all in educating our children, and testing is NOT the way to engage our children to draw out the best within each child so each can achieve his/her highest potential.

In a global economy all of our youth deserve the best education available so they can compete and realize their potential. The benefit of education to our nation will be realized in the long term.

Education must become a top priority, not only for each state, but The United States as a Nation.

I wholeheartedly agree with this petition. We, in Los Angeles, in California and in the nation, MUST provide our kids with a great public education. Please come through for all kids!!!

"I am a happy kindergarten teacher in an inclusion class in Bethel Park, Pa.
ALL children deserve a chance! Let's work together to improve the laws so that ALL children benefit.

Yes, we can and when we do, our students will get the love, time and attention from their families and teachers that they deserve. :-) "

My "Yes I Will" was incorrectly posted to "TEXAS" when it should have read "OREGON".

Please remember to include all our "marginalized" kids: homeless children/youth, students with disabilities, foster kids, pregnant & parenting teens, court-involved youth, kids whose primary language is not English, etc.!

Investing in our children is essential to the future of our democracy!!

It is time we invest in the most important people in this country. Right now, we need to view education as the number one priority. Education is a priority for many leading countries in the world and we need to stand up and educate those who will lead our nation's future.

You are the hope of the nation and we believe that "Yes We Will" invest in our future starting with our children!

In Appalachian Ohio, we are still catching up with the rest of the United States. Thirty years ago our high school students aspired to jobs in the strip mines. Those mines are closed. Other labor intensive jobs are gone also so our young people now know that post-secondary education is essential. with our small tax base, the State of ohio is recommending discontinuing high school busings. This cut would be devastating. Our families and teens do not have the resources for reliable transportation or gas. Our roads are windy and dangerous. This one cut is just an example of the challenges faced in our county of 14,000 people with one school district and one centrally located high school. School begins at 7:30 but some students get on a bus at 6 a.m. How would they handle no buses? They simply would not come. With no internet service in much of our rural county, on-line schooling is not an option, even if we could provide computers. Please help make education a continued priority for all children.

As an alternative educational computer instructor for "at-risk" students, I welcome and I am more than ready to see our students receive adequate health care and become successful citizens of society by improving their education. I want to see the U.S.A. become part of globalization in the education sector. The world is flat.....

We need better funding in order to keep good teachers, good information, good schools to learn. Also, affordable insurance is a priority in our lives.

Please, support the teaching profession--things are quite grim right now, I can say as a teacher educator.

Students of all ages in PK12 education are being damaged educationally by a truncated curriculum that focuses almost exclusively on reading/language arts and mathematics. High stakes testing mandated by NCLB has harmed education for many public school students, especially those in urban and other areas where low-income families reside. The high dropout rate among these students is evidence enough that NCLB has been a failure. A high quality education in the STEM disciplines that includes all students will not exclude the teaching of reading, writing, mathematics, or the social sciences, but it can perpare students for jobs the 21st century economy. Let us do what makes sense for students, not for testing companies.

Please help turn the tide of negativity and blame in DC Public Schools.Communities are no longer invested in the public school system, because of competition from charter schools.How can a school system thrive if it does not have the support of its own communities and city government?

It's time to make education a priority in America. The time is now.

"The solution to the economic problem also lies in education. Dr. Jane Fowler Morse, Professor of Education SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY"

I work with children in the severe profound transition program and would like to make their school experience a positive one. The no child left behind act doesn't work to thier benefit and I would like to see some positive changes in that perspective. Thank you.

Our children are our best - and only - hope for the future. Every child deserves to have a hopeful future that can only be given to him or her through a strong education supported with quality teachers. Let's get our priorities straight - payouts, buyouts, high priced sports and entertainment? What about our kids' education?!
It is our responsibility to do what is right for ALL people.

We not only can but must do right by our children. It is a matter of moral and civil rights.

YES WE WILL!

"Tell both Mr. Obama and Mr. Duncan that we miss them here in Chicago and we support them... Lisa Bucciarelli"

Nothing is more important to this country (and the world) than schools that engage students and support their growth into thinking, caring adults. I promise to work with all I've got to get the message out.

I teach future teachers at an urban community college, and they were ignited by the campaign. I want them to stay energized and focused on what they can do to make the future for their students that they envision.

YES I AND WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE TO THE UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD!

We know you believe in our children as the future of a great USA. We believe in your leadership and the positive impact we can have together. Yes, we will!

We're doing this at The Total Learning Institute: www.totallearninginstitute.org. We're ready to support you, and be supported by you.

Let us remember that students are more than their test scores, and that children learn from dedicated, passionate teachers, not from scripted curriculum.

No Child Left Behind has become a mirad of programs that have reduced education to test taking skills and one size fits all programs. Children require care, nurturing and educators that have the time and skills to build independent learners. This is what our nation and world need, not more legislation that dictates the "best" way to educate. Inspired teachers inspire students. Teachers overwhelmed with test prep overwhelm students with meaningless tasks. We can and must do better.

There are many successful schools in our country. We need to make sure that they are supported so that all children have the same opportunities. We all have so much HOPE in this new administration!

President Obama, Please visit schools around the country, send your people out to get into the schools and talk to the students. Talk to teachers. Talk to administrators. Get rid of the federal mandates of NCLB. We need a revolution in education instead of the repetition of policies that haven't worked, paradigms that are outdated, and classrooms that bore our children to death with irrelevancy. Please help us make a difference in our children's lives. Help us make education equitable and creative. Help us afford higher education and make it accessible to all who want it. There's so much work to be done. I believe in you and the hope that you represent to our country.

You've organized us! We believe in you and believe that you will listen...

"I am a teacher who does not want to be labeled a ""good or bad"" teacher in a ""good or bad"" school because of a standardized test. What have we done to our students who learn through music, movement, sports, art, practical life skills ? We have put them all onto one heaping pile of test takers; the accelerated, the new English speakers, special education students...all are lumped together and tested regardless. No wonder we look like failures, it is set up that way!

I challenge some of our wise legislators to take the same tests they say show success in secondary students. I am sure that many of our learned (and successful) politicians may not do well on those same tests. Let's GET REAL and judge good schools as schools that keep students there, learning, participating (even in extra curricular activities). Let's fund those leadership and team opportunities!

We should be ashamed of ourselves for reducing teacher, school and educational success to a multiple choice test! Life is about problem-solving and experiences, people skills and self-actualization. When someone manages to test that validly, and establishes baselines and improvement methods for those values, I will gladly go for those standards."

Dear President Obama: We fully support your efforts to give education a priority as our nation's future rests on this. We have found politicians give lip service to the importance of public education, but our future as a country rests on that one dimension...not just military, energy, social welfare, and so on. I as an educator am a willing party to support your efforts on behalf of education in whatever way I can best do that. Prayers and best wishes go your way that your education agenda moves our country forward in this 21st century.

"Mr. Obama, No segment of our society needs true change more than our public education effort. As the principal of an alternative school I beg you to listen to real change agents such as Bill Ayers, Deborah Meier, Nel Noddings, Mike Rose and Jonathan Kozol. We have never truly ""reformed"" the system that was put in place originally and it in no way prepares our children to take on the world they will receive from us. Peace in our time, Craig Carscallen "

Support charter schools! They are public schools!

As a retired school administrator I urge then new administration to elevate public education to the highest level of priority. A well educated electorate is the surest avenue to peace and prosperity.

Let's begin anew to commit to the future of America by investing in one of her most precious and valuable resources - her children.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on January 23, 2009 at 2:08pm

"Let's change our slogan to ""NO NEED LEFT BEHIND""!!!!
Call me. I can help and I have lots to share and lots of energy to roll up my sleeves and get started.
Pamela Keelh 303-543-1102, c 720-312-9186, 1817 Reliance Circle, Superior, CO 80027, Call me!"

We need to commit more money to early grade school education for children with reading disabilities. The current system promises a "free appropriate public education", but the reality is that the school districts do not have the funds to give the individual attention that young children need to overcome a reading disability. It CAN be done, but we continue to limp along with inadequate attention to the child in the early years. In the long run, in the ensuing decades of proverty, underemployment, inadequate ability to be independent, society continues to bear the burden of the early neglect of the most basic skill: reading. It's not a "sexy" issue, but it is the silent epidemic that excludes, shames, and alienates a huge number of young people. We can change this, but not with the current special ed approaches. Ill-trained teachers in rooms with 8-20 struggling students and one teacher. Would we prefer to spend $23,000 PER YEAR (!)on incarceration for a decade, or $23,000 for two years of intensive intervention at grades one and two?

President Obama: Having worked as an organizer in Chicago, you know the challenges that children face in underserved neighborhoods and communities. I see this every day in the schools I visit. Strengthening schools must be a part of your economic stimulus/investment plan.

As a teacher for over 16 years I am confident that I will finally see education as I once dreamed it ad that all children we'll receive the education they deserve to be citizens of the world.

I too teach children who see themselves in you, President-Elect Obama. You are an inspiration to them, and I trust that you do not let us down but follow through on your promises to bring positive change to our communities. You've already given us hope, and for that I thank you.

I have seen many teachers and paraprofessionals sacrifice their sanity, health, and personal finances in attempts to support the youth in our school district-the Oakland Unified School District. It often feels like we are taking one step forward, then two steps back as the infrastructure of our schools, school districts, health care system, and youth criminal justice system fail to meet our teachers' and students' needs. I understand that changes to these beauracracies will be slow and that advancement may not be obvious right away. However, I will continue to do my part and work for change as long as the voices of my community are heard in the national administration's dialogue.

Together, we can create change.

Every child needs a loving, sensible, competent , confident and well-educated teacher.

Let's make the American educational system work for ALL!!!!!

Please read Thomas Friedman and Terry Bergeson editorials in 1/14/09 Seattle Times.

"YES WE believe, yes we will and YES ! we can. Michelle & Obama we love you. You are the best of the best. YEP ! we can. My ideas : Cauches could donate their times in sport from clubs to school. And they will get latter their porpose.Having more kids in drills."

[YES, WE CAN] has changed to [YES, WE WILL] and ultimately will become [YES, WE HAVE]...

I'm neither educator nor student, but I believe this with all my heart.

As a teacher and a parent, I can't think of more important goals for our country!
Technology may be our best bet to educational equity.

In addition to school reform that creates equity for all students through smaller learning communities I would like to see the funding for Special Education incresed. This would allow local communities to use resources more creatively. As a Specilal Educator I recognize the burden local communities bear to meet this underfunded mandate. Thank you for including me in this conversation.
"
Let's get more people to join this campaign for change- to Champion the Cause of Children. TO CCC!!!!"

"Dear President Obama,
Please realize that the NCLB act is designed to do just that -- leave children behind in the dust and detritus of standardized testing that serves little purpose other than putting the thumb screws on schools that need support in all sorts of ways. Thank you!"

Education for human development is urgently needed to solve our human problems. (www.HolisticEducator.com)

These initiatives are essential for our future.

I don't expect the government to do it alone and truly encourage you to provide incentives to parents and school districts with strong parental volunteerism. It is imperative that we remember and act as if we're all in it together.
please give schools the money to give students the best education we can

Yes we can, Yes we will. TOGETHER we CAN and WILL!

It is time for the education bailout! Education is the solution to our nation's problems.

I am full of hope for improvement in our education system. I think we need to look at early childhood education to give the kids that grow up in poverty an equal playing field as well as pushing full day kindegarten.

I believe I can. I pledge to forge a future in education that includes passion, creativity, curiosity and a love for learning. Young people are not the problem, they are the solution. We can help them secure a future of hope. I support small learning communities and the charter school movement.

Every child deserves a high-quality education, an engaged and dedicated teacher, and a community united behind each child's success. Please do everything you can to rethink the way we educate all our young people.
In order to make a difference in the lives of children, we must have teachers in schools who are committed, competent, and caring. To attract the best and brightest teachers, we must support them financially and professionally. In addition, we must have principals who are willing to make the tough choices. When teachers are not meeting the needs of all students, then they must have the authority and the courage to take action against these teachers. We can not continue to tolerate teachers who do not make a difference! Yes, I will support these efforts; and, yes, I will hold politicians, superintendents, principals, and teachers accountable when students and/or schools do not make meet expectations.

As an elementary school principal, I will do whatever I can to ensure that all children have every opportunity to grow and learn.

Please make education leaders understand that waking children up too early causes sleep deprivation and is a form of child abuse!

I never thought that in my lifetime there would ever be such a man, such an event, such an occasion. I wish you well and as a Chicagoan (living in NJ), I am especailly proud. Yes, we will. As I principal of a small charter school in Harlem, I say, Yes, we will. Yes, we will. Thank you for your courage and for fighting the good fight. Thank you, President Obama.

I am very excited about the possibilities for positive change and movement forward that our new president brings.

I am ready to do anything I can to contribute to moving this country forward. Our public schools must thrive for the country and world to thrive. Let's start right now.

"Dear President Obama,
I hope you will support our teachers, counselors, and administrators with proper funding to come up to the greater demands and achievements which NCLB has brought about and is calling for. As you know, the education we provide the students will determine how tolerant and prepared tomorrow's leaders and entire population will be. Strengthening our public schools and providing relevant checks and balances as well as the same standards across the board for private, charter, and home schools.

This will be key in making The needed educational difference in our nation. ""Yes, we can!"" Sincerely,Susan Deitrick"

"Our children need housing, food, medical coverage and far too many of them are not getting these fundamental human rights. Today we have nearly as much segregation as the days prior to the Civil Rights Movement. This must be addressed. Maslows' Heirarcy clearly describes the place of our students today: they are at the bottom. How can we expect them to learn anything without housing, healthcare, and food. Their parents must have adequate jobs to maintain a home for the future leaders of the United States. As an educator I beseech you to lower college costs for our kids. Too many of the students in my high school will never have that opportunity. Roxanne Thayer M.Ed., Administrator, Olympic HS"

Yes, yes, y'all.

Without education, all else fails. Help us make our schools the best!

I will continue to support the effort for fair education to all children. Keep up the good work Pres. Obama, I will continue to support your efforts for change!

It is time to de-enphasize state standardized tests and to evaluate student performance using a variety of performance measures tied to real world learning tasks.

Please bring dignity back to teaching and respect to the classroom.

Shift words into power to drive us into real change.

"Take a good hard look at ""No Child Left Behind."" Teachers must teach to the test or their students will not do well. To do this, and just two weeks ago I had a mild argument with my district's (Gilroy Unified School DIstrict) testing/data coordinator after he went through the standards and the rubric showing which standards in World and U.S. History the California Star Exam emphasizes. In order to improve stagnant test scores in our Social Science Department, he told us to emphasize the standards the state tests on to the detriment of less tested standards or those events and personalities the State of California deem un important. Teaching to the test takes innovation out. The test is all about the memorization of facts and nearly ignores higher thinking skills. History is more than memorizing names, dates, and events. History is about learning to use facts, analysis, making connections.

I understand the need for accountability and insuring that all of our students are learning. NCLB' s emphasis on standardized tests is simply not the way. We can do better.

Teaching has been my lifetime passion. Everyday you have a chance to make a difference!! I was fortune to start my career in the U.S. Peace Corps, married and taught in the Philippines for 15 years, returned and taught 27 years in High School, now retired but still teaching ESL and Multicultural Education in College. Peace Corps prepared for an interesting and full life, able and willing to address and help other to meet the challenges of education in schools today. Presently serving on the local school board.I believe our new President Obama understands and care about education for all!!

Thank you for the WAY you ran and for running!

Education needs to be a priority for our youth.

Now is the time!

If we do not give our children what they need in the schools, how will they benefit?

"We are hopeful that as we rebuild America from our families and communities up that we do the same for our children and rebuild our education from the children, families and communities up not from the top down. There is no more important agenda for our country than the raising and educating of our children and preparing them to go to future places where most of the rest of us won't go. This is noble work and demands noble leadership that gives us hope, builds our strength and nurtures our growth. "

Thank you!

Goethe put it well when he said, "One must not grind seed corn." It's time to plant it, in good ground.

Affordable preschool education for ALL.

Public education really needs some change.

I am a teacher in CA. I urge you to reconsider your commitment to charter schools without union representation. Here in CA, our charter schools do not have union representation, and I think, as a result, the teachers are exploited. I also believe, quite strongly, that non-charter public schools should be bolstered far more than charter schools. Although I have friends whose children go to charter schools (mine don't), I don't see their children learning more or doing different things than my own children. I don't really understand your emphasis on charter schools. The greater need is in public schools, especially those that are severely underfunded, such as the schools in CA. In NJ, my brother teaches 8th grade and his largest class is 22 kids. In CA, I teach 8th grade, and my largest class is 34. What is wrong with this picture? The lack of funding. I would love for Congress to enact legislation establishing and funding class size reduction at all grade levels, funded special education to the fullest so that states and districts don't feel the drain, eliminated NCLB and started over AFTER ASKING TEACHERS what would work, and not test children so much every year. Testing like what we experience is child abuse. Plus we need a solid commitment to arts education.

"President Obama, Your leadership is a gift to the world. Thank you for investing in children in schools.God bless your family."

Locally we use federal funding to support quality preschool education. I'm looking forward to seeing and supporting more great iniatives to help children and families.

Books not bombs will help solve our worlds problemss

Mr. Obama, you face thousands of the toughest decisions in the world as you take office. How can we help you to navigate through this complexity to serve the children, and their parents...all Americans regardless of circumstances. Looking forward to helping out.

Let's make it happen.

Yes we can!

"I have taught high school English for over 35 years, and educational change is long overdue. I have always had hope, but have not always seen the moment of possibility before me. It is here. It is our responsibility to change how we teach and what we offer our children.It is our moral imperative. It calls us to give them the wisdom and tools to work in the world we will be leaving them, not the world we grew up in. It is a call that we do not have the option to ignore.Maureen"

Public education needs all our help, and I stand ready!

Supported teachers means they are empowered and given support - not threatened as we are with the current NCLB.

As an educator I certainly hope that at a minimum we honor our children by doing these four things stated in this petition.

Change begins now for tomorrow.

"I am a Teacher of English as a Second Language and staff developer in a HS in Brooklyn. This is my 23rd year in NYC public schools. I am still a strong believer that every child can succeed. NCLB must be changed so that time limitations are eliminated. Every goal is reasonable. But not all timetables are. Everything is possible when teachers and students have the time and resources to accomplish it. Thank you. "

You and your family and your cabinet will be kept in my prayers. I pray that you will keep your mind open to those voices on this earth and in heaven who can help you determine which choices are the wisest for our country. I have faith that you will. And please keep yourself grounded with time spent with your family, your God, and time for yourself so that you may reduce the stress of your responsibilities.

"yes we can!!! with love and hope from a teacher, katherine"

Invest in our future!

Hope

Please keep education as one of your highest priorities as you face the first phase and the budget realities of your long awaited and widely supported administration

Keep fighting the good fight...

Education is the most important item on the agenda. I am ready to help.
Please believe in us as professional to believe in our students and support their achievement. We all need to do our part. Yes we will.

One of the students said it best- hoping that the Obama administation delivers on campaign promises...

"Please do not give up on our kids, they are our future leaders. God bless you.

YES, working together with all Americans--young and old, let's FINALLY make it happen.

I support this petition, and want to emphasize that cutting back on education and kids' welfare will have immediate and long-term disastrous consequences not only on our children and their families but the economy and our country's future. While many such decisions to skimp on our public schools and services for kids and their families are made on the state level, please do all you can to invest, be clear about where that money should go, and set strong and clear expectations about they ways that every child deserves a great school and community support to attend that school free from hunger, violence, and other threats. Thank you.

I am a performing artist and arts educator that has been in the schools for 24 years: in Omaha, Ne; Seattle, Wa; Baltimore, MD; and all over this nation and Canada. I have mentored teachers in every type of community. I have always been astounded by the lack of support for teachers across the board, and heart broken by the defeat that began to inherit the spirit and soul of the American student: until now. This change is a mandate. It must happen now and I believe in my heart that it will!

Yes we will give every child every opportunity they deserve.

As an educator heavily invested in my work, I will continue to insist on equality of education for all and continue to remain committed to the work that I am involved in daily to ensure that we are gaining ground in that area.

Together, we can!

I am a special education teacher in NJ and I believe that together we really can make the difference. Please help us do that!!

Dear President Obama, I know that my vote for your election has not been in vain. I am glad that you were elected and expect that you will do something for our children's education and for the improvement of our country. We have fallen behind in education in comparison to many other countries in the world. Our society needs prepared people and we need to improve education and making education a top priority will create a society that will help us float atop! Thanks for considering this request to make education a priority in your time as our president.

Education is the solution not the problem, please don't cut the budget on education. ESL Teacher

Our schools in Ohio cannot afford to have their funds cut! Please advance the cause of necessary education for our gifted students.

As a school social worker, and the parent of a public elementary school child, I strongly support INCREASED funding for education!

Let's keep the promise of democracy and justice alive for all of our children.

"There is nothing more important to our country's success than providing an excellent public education to our nation's children. We need to find a way to channel more of our nation's great wealth toward strengthening our public schools and making teaching and working in them desireable by our nation's best and brightest. I am a career educator and I would like to help find creative new solutions to old problems. Alec"

I am author of the book, The Artist Within, A Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit. I want to offer free teacher training. Please contact me.

As a social worker employed in an alternative public high school in the Boston neighborhood of Roxbury, I see the critical need for energized and well supplied educational services for our youth. We must give them the tools to build our world and turn around the epidemic of despair and violence that surrounds us. Please make education your top priority, as from that change all others will grow.

I am ready for change in the education system. Barack please make reforming education your priority.

"I am a middle school art teacher that encourages students to collaborate on projects and to 'think outside the box'. They must 'work together' to create their community; to problem solve with resources at hand and fresh ideas they discover.

One of my sons, 16, said he wants to see teachers offer a structure in which students have the freedom to put their passion. Where school is a joy because students are becoming who they want to be. That, he said, would inspire an intelligent nation. "

The Childeren are the future. We must remember there is more than one path and that children do not all have the same educational needs.One size fits all does not work. Changes must include room for all learning styles and future goals.
Let's use this positive energy to provide support for each and every youth, our future.

Oregon, Ohio's taxpayers cannot even begin to absorb the 12 million dollars our school system loss due to the HR 66 Bill. All the school knows how to do is to cut out vital positions and programs in the district, thus making our students education suffer and at the same time, raise our taxes making it unaffordable to live in the community.

Do what's needed to continue to educate our children,our country's most precious resource.

I believe we can do this. Let's get to work! Thank you Obama.

This is my 12th year as a teacher in Oakland Unified School District. In the last 6 years, I have become very discouraged by the 'downsizing' of education. I would like to see a real dedication to our young people, not just in rhetoric, but in action.

Teachers are gifts, treasure them!

YES I WILL

"Please help all the children meet their needs.Children with special needs in the Bridgewater N.J. school district are being denied services that are essential for their developement.Parents are over whelmed with the burden of mediation and due process to just to get some of the services that will improve the quality of life for these children.It is difficult enough to have a child with a disabilty.It is a stuggle to navigate the system.Healthcare,Education or any other special services you might need.We are honored to have someone serve who is looking out for the next generation.Please support the children and families of the children with disabilities as everyday comes with a challenge.We look forward to the next four years,please support our children.

Best of luck to you and your family! Sincerly, Donna Mascola"

I work in a high school library, and I am going to do my best to promote teen reading! Our circulation has increased for the past two years, and still working on it!

School reform is in need immediately.

As a parent of two school age children I realize the importance of investing in our future, our children. We have no choice. We need to follow through or we are destroying our future.

Thank you in advance.

Pay it forward.

As a business person having entered the education field, I can see many changes that would be beneficial from a operations point of view. As a teacher and mother, I see many things that the system has failed to provide and how "No Child Left Behind" has left all our kids behind. It is time for change . . . I see no better forum to make a positive change than in education.

Please prioritize education for our special needs students as well as typical students. All of our students need your help to fund our schools sufficiently. Thanks for listening!

I am a School-to-Work/Placement/Special Needs Coordinator for a high school in a semi-rural area of South Carolina. I am hoping to set up a business for Special Needs students in our little town. If it works out, I would like for the business to provide part-time work for our students even after they leave high school.

Please email me if you have any business and/or funding ideas. Thank You!

As a teacher, I feel our biggest challenge is to motivate kids to want an education and to want to be as knowledgable as possible. Motivation is what is most needed. If kids want to learn many other things are not as important. If the kids culture is to not want to learn, it is extremely hard for teachers to overcome that barrier and they should not be punished.

Please listen to educators at the K-12 and higher ed levels about the major changes that NEED to take place with NCLB and the way in which this policy incredibly overemphasizes standardized assessment. We must find a variety of ways to value what students bring to the classroom, as well as stand beside our students as they critically determine avenues for self-empowerment.

"President Obama,
Please improve public education funding for Ohio and save our school libraries for children's access to reading. "

"Knowledge, critical thinking and eloquent self-expression should be everyone's strength, anyone's strength. It should no longer be the heirloom of an elite socio-cultural class. Deep awareness and robust LITERARY and PHILOSOPHICAL thought can be the province of every individual.

Science will give us tools to face the harsh conditions and difficult situations we have come to as a planet.

The Arts will give us the moral fiber and strength of will to do what's right with those tools. Spending on science education is necessary and will be our environmental salvation - we hope. However, when every individual - in this country - in all countries - becomes able to navigate the flood of information, data, sounds, images and words that form our world with a discerning and informed mind, we will truly see the world's weapon of mass destruction which will destroy fear and greed; those principles upon which tyranny, injustice, cruelty and terror ominously rest.

I fervently hope this administration will take a holistic well-rounded approach to public education, which includes science, which includes the arts and which includes as well health, wellness and crucial practical life skills.

I know that there is even less money to spend on the public school system now. I know that everyone is screaming for funding. I know that schools are placing Science at the top of the food chain with noble and important reasons.

The fact remains that we need to be a world with people who read. We need to be a people who read between the lines. The failure to do so WILL have disastrous consequences, if only that of remaining a nation of people who are slaves to fear, ignorance, and greed. That's the BEST-CASE scenario of failing to provide a holistic system of education which not only develops scientists, but also thinkers with powerful minds and healthy lives. "
May God bless the road ahead.

"Mr. Obama, Education needs to become a high priority if we are to invest in our future. This means not only early childhood education, but the entire pipeline, especially access to higher education. With our current economic downturn, states (like Arizona) are looking to make massive cuts to higher education, which would not have been acceptable two years ago and certainly is not acceptable now. What we need is a ""Manhattan Project"" for education to turn this country around, and that will definitely need your support.Thank you."

Reduce the amount of money being spent on test preparation and testing and sanctions for enrichment and green/alternative energy courses and college bound programs...reduce testing to samples to inform where curricular improvements need to happen.

"Our children are our most precious resource. Let's get busy and make this a reality!"

Please help the funding of ALL schools. We are struggling as educators and citizens. Educators are having to continually go to voters for more money. The citizens are getting frustrated trying to help support schools since their personal finances aren't supporting this need either.

Education should be THE number one priority for our nation. Instead of supporting those who've created our current economic problems, let's invest in those who will lead in the future.

Without education, and sustainability, nothing else really matters.

Let's invest in our people and innovation that will drive our country's success in the Future!

yes we will!! (:

Please provide the support--the rhetoric, structures, leadership, and resources--needed to make good education a reality for all American youth. Thank you.

"I am a music teacher and this is wonderful to see! I will spread this as much as I can! Thank you"

We need to do WHATEVER it takes to help ALL our children succeed. An investment in our children is the most important investment we can make for the future.

Education must be used as a cornerstone to help rebuild an ailing country sick from greed, misappropriation of funding, and standardized tests. If we as a country are to regain our balance and dust ourselves off from the fall, we have to create autonomous individuals who are willing, but more importantly prepared, to actively participate in our global community. As a future educator I must take responsibility and help to do just that with my students but we need your help America.

As an educator in California for 32 years, I know that the quality of education given to our youth will determine the kind of positive changes that our country will accomplish.

All i want In This World Is For My Children To Get The Best.
We are so excited for a change, including in education. Service-learning, with emphasis on learning connected to service for a real community need and youth voice, can make a real difference. Thank you for creating hope for America. Jane Grinde

Put the joy back into the classroom for the students and teachers!

The United States is suppose to be one of the most powerful Nations in the World, yet our Education System is something to be desired. We need change along with alot of other changes in the way things have been handled. Let's start making a difference with the schools, to change the future, you need to change our future, which will be our children.

Education is always a local investment that cannot be outsourced. What better way is there to provide employment than investing in our nation's future?

▶ Reply to This