Reimagine Education from A Neurodivergent Perspective by Keandra

Reimagine Education from A Neurodivergent Perspective by Keandra - September 2025 Scholarship Essay

Education is the foundation of opportunity, yet the system often struggles to meet the needs of students and teachers alike. Over the next ten years, I hope to see meaningful changes that reflect the value of educators, promote equity, and prepare students for success in an unpredictable future.

The most urgent change is increasing teacher pay. Teachers are expected to shape the next generation, yet they are consistently underpaid for the responsibility they carry. Too many educators are forced to take second jobs just to make ends meet. Fair, competitive salaries would not only reduce burnout and turnover but also attract highly qualified teachers to the profession. If society wants excellence in classrooms, we must show that teaching is a respected and sustainable career.

I also hope schools move away from their reliance on standardized testing. While assessments have a place, they should not define student success. Project-based learning, portfolios, and collaborative work offer more authentic ways to measure creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, the very skills needed in life beyond school.

Another essential change is ensuring equity. Every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to up-to-date resources, strong instruction, and modern technology. The pandemic revealed the digital divide, and in the future, no student should be held back because they lack the tools to learn.

Finally, I hope education places greater emphasis on mental health and life preparation. Schools should expand counseling services, teach emotional resilience, and integrate real-world skills like financial literacy and career exploration. Students deserve to graduate not only academically prepared but also ready to navigate the challenges of adulthood.

The next decade presents an opportunity to reimagine education. By investing in teachers, equity, student well-being, and relevant skills, we can create a system that truly empowers every learner.