Who’s education is this anyway? Who’s children are they? In a Chicago Tribune commentary piece, my good friend Daniel Coupland shares why we need choices in education. He states a glaring problem: Most Americans know by now that K-12 teachers are underpaid, overworked and underappreciated, but few acknowledge the fact that they are also overregulated. Even now, teachersContinue reading “At This Moment: Who’s Education is This, Anyway?”
Author Archives: Dean Forman
Education—Where to Begin
Why seek education? And where should we begin? We become educated to acquire manners, discipline, understanding of arts and science, temperance, and even, perhaps especially, the indispensable religious education provided by parents. We can start by seeking out the best books.
An Invitation to Build Heritage
What have you left undiscovered or undone? What is yours to do? We are never too old to create and build. What will be your gift to family, community, or America? I am convinced that nothing—absolutely nothing—will do more to improve the world in our day and the decades ahead than restoring America’s heritage through education. Nothing else will make as much impact for freedom or spread as much influence for good.
Examples to Emulate in The Patriotic Sequence
Where are the youthful John and Abigail Adams-level leaders for the 21st century right now? Who are they? How will they prepare? Who will guide them? Are they getting an education that is worthy of the challenges ahead for this nation and the world? The Patriotic Sequence is where such individuals are found and made. The pattern, in which we begin as pioneers and end as servant leaders and true citizens, is one from which we can all learn.
Watch Dr. Dean Forman’s Interview on The Mark Haney Show
Mark Haney is a successful entrepreneur in Northern California committed to helping others confront the challenges and embrace the opportunities of entrepreneurship. On his show, Mark has interviewed California’s most notable billionaires, millionaires, and start-up founders. Dr. Forman joined Mark to talk about why and how he launched John Adams Academy, what has been accomplishedContinue reading “Watch Dr. Dean Forman’s Interview on The Mark Haney Show”
Pioneer to Patriot: Seasons of Growth
All journeys begin with an idea that produces a yearning and desire to improve our station. We see this throughout our history among the overwhelming number of immigrants—from the Pilgrims to current immigrants. If you were to ask those coming today why they are willing to make such a great change, at such high risk, the central themes would be economic opportunity, safety and prosperity. To be successful, most of the new pilgrims must learn English, gain an education, achieve a level of economic independence and become an asset to their community. It has been this way for centuries, and millions have successfully accomplished it—largely because of their own hard work combined with the many freedoms and opportunities they found waiting for them here in the American system. Together we are also, in this pattern of progress, part of a great brotherhood, one that stretches “from sea to shining sea,” promoting freedom and servant leadership to all people.
The Patriotic Sequence
“America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!” —Katharine Lee Bates Some years ago I was teaching scholars at John Adams Academy about “America The Beautiful,” all the verses. During the instruction I had a personal epiphany about the words and pattern. This songContinue reading “The Patriotic Sequence”
Celebrating the 4th of July
Today we afford the 4th of July the reverence it deserves, and we do so naturally because the blessings of our great country are self-evident. But what did the history-makers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams for example, think about that moment in time as they lived it?
Citizenship—A Sacred Right to Conscience
As our values are challenged in the public sphere and our culture changes in opposition to the things we hold dear, we may find ourselves wondering how to keep our voices from being drowned out. As I have traveled the country in public service, I have often heard the lament, “Someone needs to do something about this!” As citizens of a democratic republic, that someone is you and me. And the action we take may be best executed and informed when we have a passion or personal stake in the matter.
Citizenship, America and Patriotism
Every Fourth of July, recent polls have reflected a decline in patriotism, pride, and love for America. American citizenship unifies communities, states, and even other nations in common cause. National exceptionalism of peoples and nations should be nurtured and encouraged everywhere. So, what is your idea of citizenship, America, and freedom? What is it worth? What would you give or do for these ideas and place?