Letter: This project showed education at its finest

In honor of American Education Week, I congratulate Corey Klinge, Meyer Middle School 8th grade social studies teacher and his students, who recently led and participated in something I found to be truly innovative — something that is not only a sign of the times, but (I pray) a promise of things to come.

During the recent mid-term elections, Mr. Klinge invited students to participate in an online forum to debate, process, react and respond to the various races, the electoral process and politics in general.

I was awestruck to witness how well-informed and passionate the students were. They were having the time of their lives.

Imagine yourself at age 14 “signing on” to debate politics with your friends, teachers, even parents voluntarily and enthusiastically at eight on a school night!

I had to laugh when I read the “groooaans!” when Mr. Klinge informed the students the chat room would be closing soon.

Imagine being told by your teachers, “Homework time is done,” while you and your classmates are pleading for more!

Yet, for all those involved, all of the above was totally natural…the payoff of our teachers leveraging technology to tap into the innate enthusiasm of our future leaders and applying all of the above to otherwise “adult-sized” topics.

Imagine education that is innovative, fun, inspiring!

Imagine students who are not only well-informed, but who see being part of the electoral process not only as a given but as fun.

I, for one, want in on that world. Bravo! Well done! Encore!

With much gratitude and admiration to you all — Mr. Klinge. Meyer Middle School and the River Falls School District — in helping to nurture and inspire the minds that will lead us.

Tags: opinion, letters, troy, education, k12, technology