Education
Photo by Jonathan Rissmeyer (CC)
Public school systems across the country are in serious trouble — and have been for decades. The United States ranked an embarrassing 18 out of 24 in a UNICEF-sponsored comparison study of countries’ school systems. In the recession, already meager school budgets have been slashed even further, forcing some schools to shorten the school year and cut programs, and leaving many teachers to make the choice between paying for basic classroom supplies out of pocket, or making do with understocked classrooms. Unfortunately, the worst of these budget cuts often occur in the school districts that serve the nation’s most disadvantaged students.
Meanwhile, institutions of higher education continue to raise tuition rates, while cutting services, classes and departments. Higher rates mean more students competing for limited scholarship funds, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in loans.
Jewish tradition reveres intellectual curiosity, and the value of study is woven deeply into the fabric of Jewish life. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote in Teaching Religion to American Jews, “What we glorify is not knowledge, erudition, but study and the dedication to learning. According to Raba, when man is led in for judgement, he is asked ‘Did you fix a time for learning?’ Man is not asked how much he knows but how much he learns.” Getting involved in education, then — whether as a teacher, curriculum developer, mentor or advocate — is one natural extension of this communal commitment to learning.
Ways to Serve Now
- Apply to be a Teach for America Fellow, or substitute teach in your community.
- Volunteer for an after-school education program.
- Become a mentor or tutor for a student or GED candidate.
- Advocate for healthier and more sustainable school breakfast and lunches.
- Donate to One Laptop per Child, or another education organization.
Find more opportunities at Repair the World’s service opportunities page.
Learn More
11 Facts About Education in America, DoSomething.org
Overview: Trends in Jewish Education, My Jewish Learning
School: The Story of American Public School Education, PBS
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