catalyst-chicago.org

One of our nation’s most enduring themes is that education and prosperity go hand in hand.  As we move deeper into a global economy dominated by knowledge, technology and innovation, and an increasing number of jobs require a postsecondary degree, educational access and attainment are more important than ever.

 So it should be no surprise that our failure to keep up with the rest of the world on matters of education poses dire consequences for our economy and national prestige.

The American Dream really boils down to one simple proposition—the circumstances of an individual’s birth should not limit his or her future.  Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, income level or social class, and irrespective of the family one is born into or the community in which he or she lives, every American should have both the right and opportunity to rise to the very top, limited solely by individual drive and ability. 

 As a special education teacher at a charter school, I’ve followed with great concern over the past few weeks as the Chicago Sun-Times has exposed how the management of the United Neighborhood Organization directed millions of dollars of public funds to political supporters, family members and well-connected businesses. Every dollar of waste or graft is a dollar siphoned from a student’s education. No Chicago teacher can stand the idea of this.