OKC students: We are not bystanders; teachers fought for us; listen more to teachers

Editor's note: The Rotary Club of Oklahoma City recently hosted a discussion on "Education and Our Future" with Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel and three Oklahoma City student leaders.

Here are excerpts from essays provided by the students who participated in the event:

Nasgol Missaghi: 'We are not bystanders'

Oklahoma needs to take control of the discourse surrounding public education before the narrative spirals out of control ... Our community must recognize educators' vital role in shaping tomorrow's leaders. The rhetoric surrounding public education not only directly impacts students by influencing motivations and expectations inside the classroom but also affects our teachers' morale and resources. For example, the strain on educators due to budget constraints leads to reduced access to vital teaching materials.

By providing our schools with access to ongoing professional development opportunities and resources that are up to par with technology that can take on the ever-changing landscape of education, we are investing in the prosperity of Oklahoma; this translates to enhanced learning experiences for our students. We need to bridge the resource gap between schools in differing regions.

In addition to equitable access, Oklahoma’s educational institutions should reflect the reality that the world is incredibly diverse. A more inclusive curriculum that recognizes the events that shaped our state and world without censorship and a diverse teaching staff contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. These will prepare students for an interconnected and globalized educational experience that enriches their capabilities beyond the classroom.

As current students of Oklahoma City Public Schools, we assert that the next generation of leaders are compassionate and fierce advocates and must actively engage in decision-making processes affecting our education. We are not bystanders; we are active participants in shaping the future of our state. Those sitting in classrooms across the state offer unique and fresh insight that can contribute to improving Oklahoma’s educational system. Our responsibility is to propel Oklahoma toward progress and prosperity by standing for a more equitable, diverse and inclusive future for every student. Only then will education truly enable all.

Nasgol Missaghi is senior class president at Classen SAS High School at Northeast.

Syanne McKaufman: 'The start of amazing opportunities'

Looking at our generation of scholars, I have no doubt that we will come together and be ready to shape our future to nurture our current communities and all that will follow. Our generation has not gotten this far alone though. There have been many teachers, school staff, parents, friends and others who have fought with us through our battle of life.

One teacher/faculty member who has really impacted my life and career as a high school student is my amazing volleyball coach Ms. Stephenson. Time and time again, she has brought me back up on my feet when I have fallen, and I am so grateful for her commitment to our team. She has created a family outside of family, and I could not have asked for a better coach and mentor. It is important that the people we are surrounded by, teachers many times, are lifting us up and cheering us on as we get through the obstacles of life. If no one is there to help us flourish, discouragement starts to set in, our drive for greatness depletes, and attaining success seems almost impossible. Because of the people who uplift me, I will be able to see the day that I graduate in 2025 and start my college career.

After high school, I see the start of amazing opportunities and communities for our people to be a part of it. This can only be done if we address major issues in our cities. Homelessness is a growing issue and measures need to be taken to dissipate it. Drug abuse is also a big issue in our cities and we students see it every day when we pass by bridges outside of our neighborhoods on our way to and from school. Sometimes this is discouraging and discredits our leaders because they let things like this get so bad. We need more courses of action to take place, and once it happens our trust in our leaders will be strengthened and influence the rest of our generation to make change, too.

Syanne McKaufman is a junior and student representative at Capitol Hill High School.

Karrington Mitchell: 'We can’t be afraid to tell students the truth'

As I trudge through my last months in high school, getting closer to my finish line, I see what people mean when they said time flies. It seems like just yesterday I started kindergarten at Harvest Hills, and here I am filling out college applications and scholarships, plotting my next chapter in life.

The heart of the school is the teacher, and I have had some great ones. I don’t know why anyone would ever work as a teacher, but I am glad they do. They have so much work, given so little time, and are treated poorly by students, parents and administration.

Teachers have disciplined me when I needed correction, hugged me when I was sad, and given me pep talks when I needed encouragement. They are what make students want to come to school.

Despite their low pay and poor working conditions, teachers consistently show up for their students and make a difference. They are paid for their service with low wages, political pressure and disrespect from all sides. Why are we surprised no one wants to be a teacher any longer?

In the last couple of years, I have had teachers that don’t have teaching degrees, some quit in the middle of the year, and others that I don’t think even liked kids. Though I haven’t had many, one is too much.

My favorite teachers are those that understand their students, had high academic standards, and made learning relevant to my life. Every student deserves good teachers, regardless of the school they attend. I would suggest districts listen more to their teachers, ask them what they need to be successful, and then do it. It is funny how all the people making the decisions don’t even work with the students they “serve.”

Besides quality educators we need those teachers to not be limited by the state on what they teach. They shouldn’t be worried about getting their licenses taken away or feel like they shouldn’t cover a sensitive topic because a parent might complain. Curriculum choices shouldn’t be controlled by a few vocal parents. Parents have a role in education, but their choices shouldn’t impact other children. If a parent doesn’t like a library book, then they shouldn’t let their kid read it, not take it out of circulation for other students. The book banning and curriculum changes lately don’t make any sense to me.

The whole purpose of education is to help students become critical thinkers, so limiting the materials in which they can learn from seems counterintuitive. In fact, I believe they should focus more on what some seem to think is controversial. I am surprised how few of my peers have learned about the Holocaust and Tulsa Race Massacre.

We can’t be afraid to tell students the truth. When these tough topics aren’t covered there are some students that will never get that information.

Luckily, I had parents that made sure I knew about the attempted extermination of the Jews and slavery in America. The state needs to trust the professionals they put in the classroom. If we trust our teachers to keep hundreds of students safe, we need to trust them to teach what students need.

Now let’s talk money. It is crazy how schools will have a top notch football facility and charter buses for away games, all while other extracurricular activities can’t sell enough donuts, shirts or cookie dough to afford fees to a leadership development program. Not everyone plays sports, and from the look of the stats of those that do play high school sports, not many actually get to play on the collegiate or pro level. Vocational organizations (FFA, FCCLA, BPA, DECA), band, student council and chess club are more likely to impact students long-term and benefit them in as many ways as sports. Teamwork, cooperation, and grit are just as likely learned from these activities as they are from sports. Some of these activities are what keep students coming to school and funding them should be a priority as well.

With just six months left in school, I know my comments won’t impact my education, but if someone is taking note, maybe my thoughts can impact others. Teacher retention, state involvement in curriculum, and funding priorities are all areas that need to attended to.

Karrington Mitchell is a senior and Stuco National Honor Society treasurer at John Marshall Enterprise High School.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKCPS students discuss current education climate and their future