Schools
Dearborn Teachers Spread the Message that Public Education Works
Dearborn High teachers organized a rally Tuesday afternoon to promote a positive view of public schools.
Glenn Ikens couldn't stay silent any longer. At a recent faculty meeting, the English teacher stood up and asked for support in promoting an idea–that public schools are doing something right.
Public Education Works was born from that idea, and held their first rally Tuesday afternoon in front of Dearborn High.
More than an argument against funding cuts or teacher salaries, Ikens said the group's message is about promoting positivity.
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"There are a lot of anti-public education messages in media and political discussions," Ikens said Tuesday at the rally. "Yes, there are challenges, but I believe the best place to address those challenges is in public schools and public institutions."
Currently, Public Education Works is loosely comprised of DHS teachers, students and support staff. But the group has support throughout the district, shown by Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston's presence at the rally, as well as members of the Board of Education and leadership of the Dearborn Federation of Teachers.
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Dearborn High Principal Chuck Baughman said he couldn't be more proud of his staff.
"I got a big smile on my face when I thought of Dearborn High doing this," Baughman said. "Someone has to be the first to step out and take the charge."
Baughman said that while he doesn't feel that his school gets negative press, he believes that public education in general gets an unfair reputation.
"There's a feeling that things could be better," he said of recent political discussions of education in Michigan. "We agree–I just haven't seen anything better than (public education)."
Ikens said he hopes to see the effort spread to other schools–and other districts. Though no concrete plans have been made, the group does plan to hold future events.
"This is the beginning of something we wanted to do–something to promote the success of schools here in Dearborn, Michigan and beyond," he said.
"The American public is taking public schools for granted," he added. "We believe in this place, and it's not about teachers or compensation. It's about public services."
