Now that schools are or soon will be back in session, we are discovering anew that American public education is in a serious crisis throughout the country, especially in large metropolitan school districts from Washington to Los Angeles. The shortage of teachers in elementary and secondary schools because of low teachers' salaries in inner cities is critical. School budgets and property tax revenues cannot keep pace with urban expansion and the retention of good teachers, who are key to quality education. Public schools face social problems as well with fractured families, illegal drugs and violence adding to the stress of educating all of America's children and youths in such troubled environments. Public education needs the help of people like us Christians who minister to spiritual and social needs of others above our own needs as we mature in our faith.
Christians are no strangers to public education.
The history of Christianity for centuries has been one in which education held a high priority. The Protestant movement in particular has emphasized accessible public education for all. As late as the 18th century, the exploitation of children as miners in Wales led John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, to establish schools to provide all children with a basic elementary education. Wesley's enthusiasm for education of all children calls us to support quality education for all. This means make connections with public schools by getting to our administrators and teachers, and volunteering to assist the children and youths of our church and community.