Our culture conditions us to see everything as black-and-white, good-and-evil, where everyone has to choose a side. Spoiler alert: life isn’t just about Team A versus Team B. It’s more like a buffet where you can load up on both/and options. 

Some believe our Christian faith requires us to be either warriors or servants. Why not be both? I mean, who says you can’t stand for Christian values and love your neighbor at the same time? Speaking of faith, we have a song that goes, “Let hope rise and darkness tremble.” It serves as a reminder for anyone who believes in something greater than themselves. 

Many people envision a future straight out of a disaster movie. You know the one: everyone’s in torn clothes, fighting over the last can of beans. Their choices in careers, relationships, and outlooks show this gloom-and-doom mindset. The glass isn’t just half-empty; it’s a cracked vase on a rickety table, spilling everywhere. All they see is darkness.

I spent time with my friend Karolyn Marino, who teaches with more energy than a double shot of espresso. Seriously, her energy could power a small city! Her mission? To teach every child—no matter where they’re starting from—and build a classroom that feels like a warm hug.

 In Miss Karolyn’s class, kids know they’re not just safe; they’re cherished. And guess what? She’s one of the top teachers in her district because kids learn best when they feel loved and valued. Who would’ve thought?

We need schools that serve the academic and non-academic needs of children. This includes better access to online tools, statewide partnerships, and available resources. Unfortunately, too many of our state leaders view education as a broken system. When they are campaigning, they cite accomplishments, but once they are in office, the system is irrevocably broken. We are stuck with that recurring mindset here in Tennessee.

We also discussed character education, which is crucial in helping students make meaningful contributions to society. In a world where right and wrong are like two guys arguing over the last slice of pizza, maybe it’s time to revisit the basics of character development. Loving your neighbor should be as natural as breathing. If it isn’t, let’s lead by example—practice what we preach, people!

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” His words still resonate today.

I’m a huge fan of public education, but let’s be real—we’ve taken a few wrong turns down some sketchy rabbit holes. No excuses. We have all been sold a bill of goods, and we need to kick those out-of-state education saviors and big-money interests to the curb. 

At times, we have lost sight of the importance of education entirely. If we want to win back parents’ trust, we need to return to the basics. Parents need to be at the table alongside educators.

Check out the Nation’s Report Card. It’s not pretty. Even though critics will have to concede that is trending in the right direction, nationally, reading and math scores are a huge concern.

 On the bright side, some states have discovered that phonics-based methods, tutoring, and summer literacy camps are effective.

Who knew? Catching kids up and not letting them fall through the cracks is a wise investment.

Here’s the deal: we need to return to fundamental educational reforms that genuinely matter to parents.

Let’s tackle the real issues—like how to get kids to read, write, and do basic arithmetic.

It isn’t a secret that many children are struggling with math and reading, while a few adults are still busy debating which bathroom children should use.

A one-size-fits-all approach will not work in education. Public education in Tennessee is at a crossroads. Change is inevitable in education, and we should welcome the discussion. People say education is broken beyond repair, but I reject that point of view. We make small victories every day in our classrooms. Our wins far outnumber our losses, and recognizing those setbacks only makes us stronger. However, we must acknowledge both the good and the bad.

 If we want to regain trust, we need to focus on real educational outcomes, rather than getting distracted by the latest trendy nonsense peddled by out-of-state experts. At the end of the day, parents want to know that their kids are actually learning something that will help them be successful in the future. 

Strength isn’t about cramming more bad education policies down the throats of taxpayers; it’s about conquering what you once believed was unachievable. When that spark of hope appears, darkness has no choice but to retreat. So let hope soar and make darkness tremble. Trust me, the future of public education is brighter than you imagine!

JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association located in Nashville.