As mentioned a week ago, this is the final weekly submission of this column. It's certainly not of the same magnitude as the last "Seinfeld" episode which aired in 1998, but at the very least, it is an opportunity to thank you for reading during the last four years.
First, let's be clear that my departure from the opinion page does not mean I'm leaving my post as associate principal at Jefferson City High School. I'm still at JCHS and am glad to assist any of you, any of our teachers, or any of our students on any given day.
I will share a personal thought or two later, but first ...
Let's remember that the task of schools everywhere is to prepare students for life. For many decades now, criticisms have been levied towards education in America; some of it is valid criticism while some of it is just plain unfair.
But for the record, we must admit that there is one particular area in which schools everywhere must consider a shift in perspective: in many instances, from kindergarten all the way through grade 12, schools have been preparing students for more school, rather than equipping them for life outside of school.
This must change.
And the only way it will change is if schools utilize the expertise of businessmen, businesswomen and community members to make learning more relevant in the classroom.
But for such school-community partnerships to exist, it takes everyone. Those in the workplace must be willing to be involved in how students are educated. And educators in the school - both teachers and administrators - must work with those outside the school to make a more meaningful learning experience for the students they serve.
My Dad ran a construction business from 1963 until he passed away recently. He had no formal education after getting his high school diploma but became successful in business and in life because he knew how to talk to people, how to take pride in his work and how to be good to his family and to others.
As I look back over the years, I can see clearly that he knew how to make it in life. He made sure that both of his sons completed college, but he also knew that what people do with their education is more important.
Many of you understand that very well, and if you can help bring that mindset in to public education, we will all be better for it.
It's not that educators don't understand this. It's just that in some instances you can bring about a more practical application of knowledge than we can.
In a more general view, American young people need to benefit from your wisdom and experience.
Please think about that.
And finally, a few personal comments.
A hearty thank you goes to the Jefferson City News Tribune for making this column possible. Richard McGonegal and Gary Castor have been very good to work with, and I appreciate them making this space available each Sunday.
For those of you who have looked at this page each week, thank you for reading and thank you for giving feedback via email, letters or in person.
Deep inside I feel a strong passion for preparing the next generation - the next generation of students, and the next generation of educators - and it drives me forward each day.
That passion will remain. It matters not whether I am writing, teaching, making a presentation or passing along information in any venue.
In my own life, as I learn more, I have a sincere desire to pass it on to others who may benefit from it.
That will probably never change with me.
Because in my heart I am a teacher, and I'm still learning every day.
David Wilson, EdD, is the associate principal at Jefferson City High School. You may e-mail him at [email protected].