The last four years (as MAPS President and Teacher) have been a huge education for me. Here are a few things I’ve learned: 1) Teaching is the hardest job I’ve ever had. 2) “No Child Left Behind” just doesn’t work. 3) Standardized testing suggests that there’s a ’standard student’ and - based on my experience - that’s just not the case.

One of the great joys I’ve had as a teacher is working with students who are one-of-a-kind; it is their uniqueness that inspires me. And thus I try to identify and encourage their personal skills rather than teaching a ‘one size fits all’ curriculum.

Another thing I’ve observed is that not all students “fit and flourish” in the traditional high school education model. ‘Drop out’ rates are increasing and college enrollment is decreasing - simply put, kids have different needs and it is our job (as educators) to fill them.

So, here’s what I’d like to propose: let’s create a vocational high school center that works hand-in-hand with the traditional education experience. It will be offered to all district students in the Bitterroot Valley and available during the school day. The vo-ed classes will be in addition to regular classes and both will be for credit. Let’s combine “reading, writing and arithmetic” with other skills - computer, auto mechanics, construction, welding, media arts, plumbing, nursing, veternary, agriculture, applied sciences, electrician etc. Note: the genesis of this concept came from Corvallis High School Principal, Trevor Laboski. (credit where credit is due.)

And I would go one step further…this school can also be a business that drives revenue and pays for itself. Regardless of age, trained and skilled workers have great value in a wide variety of business applications. MAPS is a great example; our clients pays us, I pay the kids - it’s the real world and it works.