I put together this substack because I think there's an argument to be made for public schooling as an effective tool to lessen human suffering for all.
My name is Stephen Owens and what I know about public schools--apart from attending and working with them--I know because I got a doctorate in the subject from the University of Georgia and have worked as an education policy analyst for the last 7+ years at the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (a research and advocacy nonprofit). What I know about human suffering--including what I have seen, worsened and tried to alleviate--is translated by my faith in Jesus Christ and the evangelical church's interpretation of the Holy Bible.
I advocate professionally for the advancement of inclusive, diverse and excellent public schools. In that work I have been personally frustrated by the perception that MY people (white evangelical protestants) increasingly either do not see public schools as useful to this world or believe that it is an evil that needs to be destroyed. In some level this blog will be for them primarily although not, I hope, exclusively. In short I want to make the case that not only is this institution NOT evil but rather that common schools are a tangible example of common grace, or an expression of the goodness of God that all people can enjoy.
I'm glad you are doing this, seems like a really good project. Looking forward to reading more.
I'm here with you, Stephen, as a supporter of public schools as a means for public good. ALL people benefit from a well educated public