Turning 'Yes We Can' into 'Yes We Will!'

Posted by ZP Heller, Brave New Films at 10:47 AM on January 7, 2009.

The Forum for Education and Democracy wants to turn 'Yes We Can' into 'Yes We Will,' channeling the momentum and energy of the election of Barack Obama into building a stronger public education system.  They're calling for the President-elect to commit to providing every child with free, high-quality education and health care, every community with equal access to education, every teacher with vital support, and every school with much needed resources.

As the child of two public school teachers, I was raised in the Philly public school system.  I can't begin to describe the woeful state of our schools.  Nor can I start to tell you just how upsetting it's been to watch my mother's frustration grow exponentially over the years as her classes have swelled from 30 to upwards of 40 students.  It's frustration that stems from the increasing inability to provide her students with the individual attention they deserve, especially considering the time and curriculum constraints requiring educators to teach toward the next round of standardized tests.  How can anyone possibly teach or learn in such an overcrowded, underfunded, disregarded environment?

Watch this video to see how Obama inspired students and teachers alike during the election, and then take a minute to sign the petition to the Obama administration.    

Tagged as: education, students, health care, barack obama, teachers, public schools, yes we can, yes we will, forum for education and d

ZP Heller is the editorial director of Brave New Films. He has written for The American Prospect, AlterNet, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Huffington Post, covering everything from politics to pop culture.