We will encourage more young adults and accomplished professionals to become teachers. And we will support programs that promote lifelong learning for veteran teachers. But public school teachers are not the sole educators of students. Children have dozens of teachers in their lifetime. Parents, coaches, and mentors should all embrace the responsibilities they have in guiding children, helping them to make good decisions and to achieve their goals.
Children learn many valuable lessons outside the classroom.
We must encourage more children to take advantage of extracurricular programs that provide them with skills to be successful students. Studies have shown that girls who participate in sports are more likely to graduate, to reject drugs, and to avoid teen pregnancies. Whether it is steering young boys and girls onto the basketball court or persuading them to try out for the school play, we all have a role in helping children uncover their own special talents. We must also do our part to ensure that children are ready to learn when they arrive at school. Providing effective early intervention programs and alleviating childhood hunger will allow all children access to the academic opportunities which will guarantee them a bright future.