The top four challenges facing education today

By Margaret-Anne Mary Coppernoll

The top four challenges facing education today include lack of adequate funding, the fast-paced changing face of the job market,low pay for educators, and threats to civil liberties and academic freedom.

1. Lack of adequate funding for education is a major challenge, especially with the recent severe state budget cuts. As MPC trustee I will advocate for reinstatement of funds for education and for applications for stimulus package grants that can alleviate the fiscal constraints caused by these budget cuts.

2. A second challenge is the fast-paced changing face of the job market. I would also look at research tools that can forecast the best career areas and job opportunity industries and businesses in order to develop curriculum that will prepare our students to mesh with this new work environment. One area of fast growing job opportunity is green technology. I want to advocate for an increase in curriculum choices in this area so businesses are searching out our MPC students for employment.

3. A third challenge is the poor pay for educators, both in terms of reliance on part-time instructors and low pay in general. If pay is any measure of the respect given a profession, then our state in general gives more respect to prison guards than educators. Other than fostering better societal attitudes over the long term, I have to admit that I am not sure what can be done about this problem.

4. A fourth challenge is that of the increasing encroachments on academic freedom that make this area important for civil liberties and protection of constitutional rights in the classroom and on campus. As trustee, I will remain vigilant against such threats and advocate immediate corrective action