The Invisible Class: Why Public Education Matters

The Unseen Heroes of Our Society

I teach the children of people that you probably see every day but whose names you may not remember. They are the ones who clean the restrooms at your office, serve food at your favorite fast-food restaurant, and perform menial tasks for very little money. These individuals often lack formal education themselves, unable to read beyond a fourth-grade level. They depend on public education to teach their children beyond what they can provide in their homes.

The Unsung Heroes of Public Education

As a public education teacher, I've witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work that these educators bring to their students every day. They are the ones who provide dyslexia intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social assistance programs to children who need them most.

The Invisible Class of Working Families

These parents are often invisible in political discussions about public education. They are not represented by lobbyists or special interest groups. They do not have a voice in the halls of power. And yet, they are the ones who will suffer the most if the public education system continues to crumble.

The Consequences of Privatization

Privatizing public education will only serve to widen the gap between the haves and have-nots. It will create a two-tiered system where those with means can afford quality education, while those without are left behind. This is not a solution; it's a recipe for disaster.

A Different Path Forward

The opportunity to have an equitable education is attainable by placing the needs of the working class above the greed of the ruling capitalist class. We must support the working-class movements and prioritize public education as a fundamental right, not a privilege for the few.

The First Goal of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution

In fact, the first goal in the Russian Bolshevik Revolution was to grant everyone the right to a free, equitable education. We can learn from their example and work towards creating a system that values education as a human right, not a commodity to be bought and sold.

The Way Forward

It's time for us to take a different path forward. Let us prioritize the needs of the working class and place public education at the forefront of our movements. Together, we can create a system that truly serves all people, not just the privileged few.

References

[1] The Bolshevik Revolution: A New Society in the Making (1917-1923).