Reflect on the work that all educators do for sustaining this great country. I thank my PdC Public School staff for all they do every day. You’re doing a great, important, and vital job!

All over the United States we celebrate the Fourth of July. Family outings, parades, and fireworks are all staples of the day. But of course, the day itself is to signify freedom, and the ability to rule ourselves in a free country, as this is the recognized birthday of the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the document and the drafting committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman as well. It was, and still is, an amazing piece of work that continues to have its ideals live on.

These gentlemen who authored the founding document of this country believed in the need for an educated society. We will start with Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson is in many ways was one of the main fathers of public education in the United States at all levels. There are many documented Jefferson quotes and writings that argue for and support the need for a good education system. His life works include many additions to education including, as he wanted as part of his epitaph, the “FATHER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA”. He even proposed a constitutional amendment, which did not pass, that the federal government must “come in aid of public education”. He did all of this as he understood that in order for people to self-govern that they had to be educated to be able to make wise decisions.

Now to John Adams. I will directly quote him as he most eloquently stated that “The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves.”

Ben Franklin also was a strong supporter of a well-rounded public education as he saw the need for an educated populace that could allow business and government to flourish together. Franklin, like Jefferson, was instrumental in all levels of education as he was a main supporter of the establishment of the higher education institution today known as the University of Pennsylvania.

Robert Livingston was also a man who supported education. He was said to have 4000 books in his personal library. He is credited as a principal founder of the American Academy of Fine Arts. Robert Sherman was an early benefactor of Yale and actually served as the treasurer of Yale for many years.

All of these people believed in the importance of a comprehensive education for the masses. This is as important today as it was in the 1700’s. So along with the hot dogs and fireworks, we can also reflect on the work that all educators do for sustaining this great country. I thank my PdC Public School staff for all they do every day. You’re doing a great, important, and vital job!