My Future in Education
I have a new job. A full-time, back-into-the-corporate-world new job. And I’m very excited about it.
When I was young, and I imagined my life’s trajectory, I always saw myself teaching once I hit my 50’s. Which surprised me… since I had no plans to become an educator. But today I’m getting closer to that imaginary scenario than I ever thought possible.
I’ve been working at KC Distance Learning for five months, full time. And I’m going “back in” to run marketing for the organization. My long-term stint there is why I’ve gone “dark” here and in many other social media venues since June, causing some to forget me, and some to wonder whether I’ve forgotten them… (I can assure you, I haven’t!)
I’ve been focused. On a new market, education, which is ripe for change.
When I started there, I was shocked to learn that 30% of high school kids across the country drop out. Last spring, congress heard testimony that nationwide:
- 7,000 students drop out every day
- 2,000 US high schools produce more than half of all dropouts
- In the 50 largest cities, only 53 percent of students graduate on time
Why? I’m sure there are 7,000 unique reasons kids drop out every day. But something has to be done.
What’s KCDL doing about it? We are helping school districts deliver middle school and high school classes online through our iQ Academy and Aventa Learning brands. We power a private, online middle and high school experience for kids in the US and in scores of countries around the world with Keystone National School.
Technology is a natural tool to help revolutionize education. Kids in rural areas can take world-class courses in Mandarin, and Flash programming, for example, using an online delivery platform and subject-and state-certified teachers. Adjudicated kids can continue their courseware while serving their terms.
But technology isn’t enough. People from many different disciplines are taking the opportunity to change the way kids learn, as private organizations attack this very public problem.
So, dear readers, I plan to continue to post and tweet. And know that my new focus on education is highly likely to be reflected here.
And maybe we’ll all learn something new.
Hi Janet-
Nice to know what’s going on with you. Do you know my friend Robyn MacKillop who also works there? If not, you should get to know her - she’s one sharp cookie!
Congrats on your new gig. Keep us posted on the awesome impact you have!
Liz
WOW. 7,000 every day. Amazing.
I bet that KCDL makes a big difference for kids in rural America.
I wish this had been around when I was in school. I would have loved to have learned Mandarin, and also, maybe some of my cousins would have got their diplomas.
Janet, I can’t imagine a better place for you to bring your intelligence and enthusiasm.
Wow, go great Janet!
What an exciting opportunity! I’ll continue to check your blog posts and tweets for updates. My son is not yet old enough, but it is good to know that there are options and what a great way to supplement education!
Congrats, Janet! It sounds perfect for you. I used to work for an online school, and never ceased to be amazed at the maturity and intelligence of the young students, no matter where they came from.
Well written piece, JLJ! Happy for you. Happy, too, that I’ve been along for part of your travels on this most interesting journey. Rock on, sis!
Thanks Kristie… we’re in the beginning of some big changes in education… by the time your son is old enough, he’ll likely be able to take advantage of things we’ve not even dreamed up yet in getting his diplomas!
Thanks CJ! I’m excited to bring some social media “juice” and expertise into KCDL… and to continue to watch you serve the larger world!
Thank you Laurel. I’d love to hear more about where you used to work! I’m surprised constantly at finding out who is currently serving in this space.
Michael - thank so much! I hope you’re well. Getting about to be spring/summer there, yes? School’s almost out!
Bridget, I’m with you. I wish I’d had access to the kind of course ware and teachers that are available to students today.
I’ve met Robyn a couple of time, Liz, and you’re right. She’s a smart cookie. I hope you’re doing well. All over LinkedIN?
Hey Janet -
Congrats! Very, very cool! Do you have time in your busy schedule to grab lunch or coffee in the coming weeks?
hi Bill, thank you! let’s figure out our possibilities!
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/25367
Report: Our High Schools May Not Adequately Prepare Dropouts For Unemployment
WASHINGTON, DC—A Department of Labor report released Monday finds that America’s high schools are not sufficiently preparing emerging dropouts for the demands of unemployment.
Janet,
Big Congrats to you. Education is a great place for you and your marketing and tech savviness to make a difference!
“My three sons’ need you!
Let me know when and how I can ever help…
Best,
Ellen
J,
Thanks for the update. Great to know someone so inspired is working for a cause of such magnitude!! While those statistics are startling they need to be exposed to find a path to improvement. Excited to hear more as things evolve.
Best success…
Cheers
Ken
I’m so behind — just heard the news recently. Congratulations. I miss you! Being the parent of a preschooler education is on my mind all the time now — they are lucky to have you.