Tom Cruise admitted to People Magazine during a July 21, 2003 interview to having trouble learning to read as a youngster. In fact, his struggle with dyslexia may have eventually led to his interest in promoting literacy and becoming a founding board member of the Hollywood Education and Literacy Project.
Help Fight Illiteracy
Policy makers on both sides of the political spectrum are talking about educating workers to compete in a more global, competitive economy. Today's economy makes achieving a high rate of literacy among children and adults an even greater national imperative. With a teaching degree, you can help people develop the basic reading and writing skills needed for success in today's economy.Becoming a School Teacher
Few people will argue against the important role that teachers play in society. To prepare for this responsibility, school teachers must obtain at least a bachelor's degree. Educational requirements beyond a bachelor's degree may vary from state to state. Some states may require a teaching degree program or teaching coursework as part of a four-year bachelor's degree program.The Challenge Ahead
While the United States has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, some Americans have fallen through the cracks of the education system, failing to master basic reading and writing skills. School administrators and teachers have the opportunity to collaborate with education policymakers and politicians to find ways to ensure that every child develops literacy skills.While Tom Cruise raises awareness of illiteracy through his nonprofit work, you can contribute to tackling illiteracy in America on the frontlines--in classrooms with K-12 students, adult education institutions, and through community programs. There's never been a better time to become a school teacher and assume one of society's most important jobs.
