There is currently a campaign called Don’t Steal Possible occurring in New York which is calling for change in the NY public education system. It has the support of parents, students, teachers, and celebrities as well as some fairly staggering statistics on its side. 

Don’t Steal Possible is demanding radical change because they can’t make their kids wait any longer. The supporters are holding up an example of certain schools, district and charter schools specifically, that are currently succeeding and are asking other institutions to replicate this model.

They’re pointing out that the issue is worse in certain communities: “It is clear that our crisis of failing schools predominantly affects children of color from under-served communities… At schools where the majority of students are living at or below the poverty level, achievement rates plummet.” And they’re highlighting the consequences of ignoring the problem as well. They make the fair point that educating and empowering students to succeed is the “linchpin of any meaningful attempt to restore opportunity to every New Yorker.”

Recently, Team Possible made a big move. On March 4th, 13,000 New Yorkers rallied in Albany to demand great schools for all kids. Janelle Monae performed a free public concert at the event. “It’s heartbreaking to know that there are 800,000 New York kids falling through the cracks every year,” Monae said in a statement. “I am honored to stand with families demanding an end to this crisis.” Monae isn’t alone; other supporters of the campaign include Questlove and members of the Roots, the Beastie Boys’ Mike D, and Estelle.

Even if you don’t agree with the proposed solution of the Don’t Steal Possible campaign, it’s hard to disagree with their facts: the NY public education has its faults and needs to be fixed. 

-Samantha Phillips

What would you suggest as a solution? Check out more about the Don’t Steal Possible campaign here and see what 4T’s Productions is doing to make a difference!

Sources:
Rolling Stone: Janelle Monae Playing Education Rally to Support New York Children
Families for Excellent Schools: Don't Steal Possible

What are the responsibilities of a pilot? 

An airline pilot, the type you are probably more familiar with, is expected to transport people and cargo in aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters within strict time schedules. A commercial pilot would be called upon for other reasons, including charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, photography, and aerial applications. Pilots must monitor the condition of their aircraft, evaluate weather conditions and fuel supply, and communicate with air traffic control. They have to be capable of using cockpit instruments as well as responding to unexpected occurrences quickly and calmly. 

How much would you earn in this position?

In 2012, the median annual wage for all airline pilots and copilots was $114,200.  Most airline pilots start off making about $20,000 per year with annual increases until captain status.  In this senior position, earnings are about $55,000 per year for regional airlines and $135,000 per year for major airlines.  Additionally, airline pilots receive an expense allowance for every hour they are away from home and extra pay for international flights.  Their perks typically include health insurance and retirement benefits, and their immediate families usually can take free or reduced-fare flights.  As for commercial pilots, the median annual wage was $73,280 in 2012.

Requirements:

Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include working well under pressure, teamwork, communication, observational, and problem-solving. Pilots interact with customers as well as small teams, including copilots and flight attendants, in close quarters. Therefore, their ability to communicate is important; they must be friendly and provide clear and honest feedback.

As for education and experience requirements, commercial pilots need a high school diploma. For certain specialties, additional requirements exist. Airline pilots are required to have a bachelor’s degree in whatever subject. All pilots must possess a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Other certificates and ratings may be required by certain companies.

Many pilots attend some type of extra schooling to learn how to fly. This includes independent instructors, flight schools, fixed base operators, and 2 to 4 year universities. Furthermore, most jobs have on-the-job training requirements, which is usually 6-8 weeks long plus 25 hours of flight time. Pilots are not done after this, however. Tests must be passed for the remainder of their career to ensure pilots’ ability to perform certain maneuvers in certain time frames. Periodic training and medical exams also occur.

Work Conditions:

In 2012, about 64 percent of pilots worked as airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. The remainder worked as commercial pilots. This is a fairly stressful job, as pilots may have to cope with work-related hazards such as fatigue, jetlag, hearing loss from overexposure to engine noise, high concentration demands, being responsible for other people’s safety and lives, and having to be ready at all times for emergencies or tough landings.

Pilots work all over the country, but most are based near large airports. Their work hours are regulated by federal mandates, especially pertaining to the amount of rest between flights. Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties. Schedules are often atypical, with intense days on and then several days off.

Commercial pilots usually fly between 30 hours and 90 hours per month. They typically have more nonflight responsibilities than airline pilots. Both types spend long periods of time away from home, although this is usually truer for airline pilots. All pilots are required by federal law to retire at age 65.

-Samantha Phillips

What interests you about this career?  What other information would you like to know about it?

Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Transportation and Material Moving

Kasseem Dean, the famous producer better known as Swizz Beatz, recognizes the value of education, which he demonstrates not just with his words but with his actions.  Swizz Beatz made the decision to go back to school because he “wanted to get [his] education right” and was accepted into the elite Owner/President Management Extension Program at Harvard Business School.

Swizz has been posting about his educational journey on Instragram, expressing his excitement to be back in school and learning about topics that he can apply in his career.  The course is designed to be nine weeks long, divided over a three year time period so that students can take their lessons, apply them in the real business world, and then come back with their results.  Swizz Beatz has expressed the importance to him of this hands-on approach: “This is real life college, which is the best college for me….saying okay I can apply this to Reebok, I can apply this to helping other people out.” 

Swizz Beatz had certainly found success before this educational opportunity but also felt a real need to attend the program.  As a rapper who transitioned into the business side, he felt that despite being the person responsible for the occurrence of certain important meetings, he wasn’t respected in the meetings because he wasn’t able to contribute in the technical language.  This pushed him to consider pursuing his education past that of the high school degree he graduated with and the know-how he had picked up throughout his life. 

Upon reflecting on his high school education, he said, “Harvard has been something that I never dreamed of, coming from the South Bronx and never really taking a liking to school, just because of circumstances that I was in and I guess the circumstances that the teachers were in also.”  But Swizz Beatz refused to let a less than ideal educational system hold him back.  “My parents did a great job, but it still didn’t change the system…  But that’s not an excuse for me.  I didn’t want to use that as an excuse to not go back and tighten up and sharpen things up.”

Swizz Beatz is setting an inspiring example and will surely find even more success with the new tools he gains in a top-notch business education program.  4T’s recognizes his accomplishments, especially as a graduate of an inadequate NY public education institution.  We recognize the hard work that Swizz Beatz had to do on his own to identify his inherent skills and the relevance of education to his life.  4T’s hopes to provide programs to students to help them identify their own talents and grant them hands-on experience applying these skills in the real world so that all students will have a solid educational foundation in order to go on to do great things, such as Swizz Beatz.    

-Samantha Phillips

Please watch this clip to hear more of the quoted interview and follow the rest of Swizz Beatz’s journey to Harvard Business School certification on Instagram (@therealswizzz).  

This video discusses the importance of incorporating the concept of global citizenship into students' education.  Although global issues can be hard topics to tackle especially in a classroom with young audiences, it is a necessity for students to succeed in the globalized world we now live in.  With connectivity and communication at never-before-seen levels, students need to be aware of global issues and the happenings of the global economy. They need to be capable of reacting to events and contributing to the solutions to issues as well. The video points out that, "You can't make change in the world if you don't know the issues." 

Teach UNICEF is addressing this shortcoming in our education system by providing downloadable lesson plans for topics ranging from armed conflict to gender equality to poverty.  It designs lessons to be suitable for differing age groups.  

As I mentioned, at the present moment in our society it is not easy to broach these issues in school since there is such high sensitivity to "political" issues, especially inside the classroom. Yet I believe that we each have the responsibility to be knowledgeable about the global issues of our lifetime, and teachers have an even greater duty to take it upon themselves to introduce their students to the topic of global citizenship in the best way they can. At the very least, teachers should provide their students with tools to explore these topics on their own. 

Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, global citizenship lessons are important to learn. Explore these topics with such tools as TeachUNICEF and then share what you know. Your personal success in the current globalized economy as well as the well-being of the world depends on it.

-Samantha Phillips

Please share any tools that you use to learn about global issues.  Thanks! 

What is an elevator installer or repairer?

An elevator installer or repairer does work on elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.  They are required to read blueprints, evaluate which equipment will be necessary for the installation or repair, identify the problem with the machine oftentimes by using test equipment, handle electrical wiring, comply with safety regulations and building codes, and keep records of all of their adjustments.  This job demands regular maintenance, including oiling, greasing, replacing parts, in addition to emergency repairs.   

How much would you earn in this position?

In 2012, the median annual wage for this profession was $76,650, with a range of $39,540 to $106,450.  Apprentices usually earn half the pay of fully trained and qualified installers and repairers.  According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, elevator installers and repairers is the highest paying job available to those who earned a high school diploma (and did not receive a higher degree).  

Requirements:

Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include problem-solving and mechanical.  One should be detail-oriented and possess physical stamina and strength.  Team work is necessary for major installations or repairs, but minor maintenance or technical repairs are done alone. 

The Occupational Outlook Handbook states, “Maintenance and repair workers generally require greater knowledge of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity than do installers because a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting. In fact, most elevators today have computerized control systems, resulting in more complex systems and troubleshooting than in the past.”

The education and experience requirements include possession of a high school diploma in combination with an apprenticeship program.  Programs usually last for five years and contain instruction as well as on-the-job training.  Topics covered include blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, applied physics, and safety.  To enroll in a program, basic aptitude tests may be required.  Additionally, 70% of states require a license for this career.  Ongoing education is common in order to keep mechanics up to date and potentially qualify them for promotions. 

 Work Conditions:

Elevator installers and repairers are seldom self-employed, typically working within the building equipment contractors industry.  This profession does involve lifting heaving equipment, potential falls from ladders, and electrical shocks.  Hence, protective gear is a must, including hard hats, harnesses, and safety glasses.  This job may require being on call around the clock due to the possibility of emergencies.  Working overtime, evenings, and weekends is also commonplace.  

-Samantha Phillips 

What interests you about this career?  What other information would you like to know about it?

Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction and Extraction