Betsy DeVos: Go Find Those Pencils | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Betsy DeVos: Go Find Those Pencils

Betsy DeVos needs to prove that she is working in the best interest of the American public school system.

11
Betsy DeVos: Go Find Those Pencils
Betsy Devos / Twitter

Last week, Betsy DeVos began her work as the newly appointed Secretary of Education. Many American citizens fought hard to keep her out of this position. They called, emailed, and wrote their Senators in hopes of convincing them to vote “No” on Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education.

Why were people so against her being chosen for this position? First, DeVos has never gone to an American public school. Other argued that this fact would have no impact on her success as the Secretary of Education because she was educated, just not a product of the American public school system. I agreed. I have gone to Catholic schools for grade school, high school, and now college. As a current substitute teacher, Education major, and future teacher, though, I have my own concerns. On February 8, 2017, DeVos tweeted:

“Day 1 on the job is done, but we’re only getting started. Now where do I find the pencils? :)”

DeVos received immense amounts of backlash for this tweet because pencils in the American public school system are not something to joke about. Something as simple as pencils are a luxury to students throughout the country. Teachers purchase school supplies out of their own pockets throughout the school year, and while schools often promise to reimburse them, teachers do not hold their breath. Schools that are fortunate enough to be able to provide supplies, or even expect families to purchase their own supplies, are few and far between.

In a Q&A session on DeVos’ website, she stated, “Above all, I believe every child, no matter their zip code or their parents’ jobs, deserves access to a quality education.” If this is truly DeVos’ goal, then I wish her complete success. There is nothing I want more for my future students than for them to be able to receive the quality education they deserve. But if Betsy DeVos wants my full support, and the complete support of other citizens, students, teachers, and parents, then she needs to put her words into action. Instead of joking about where to find pencils, DeVos should be making it a priority to make sure that schools have adequate supplies.

Betsy DeVos, I wish you the best of luck in your new job. Please prove me, along with my fellow teachers, students, and parents, wrong. Prove to us that you plan to make changes in the best interest of the students, and not in the best interest of your wallet. Prove to us that you were the best choice to be a voice for those without one.

Go find those pencils.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182286
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9091
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453804
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24069
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments