James MagazineJames_July-August_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 35
Connecting our Students
As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Kinsaul spent much
of the past year traveling the state and observing innovative educational programs. One lesson stood out. “Our
goal is not to send kids to college,” she said. “That can be
a middle step. The ultimate goal for every kid is to be a
productive and engaged member of their community.”
She points to Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs as one of public education’s
greatest strengths. During her travels, she saw districts
creating opportunities in welding, culinary arts, cosmetology, audiovisual production, and other workforce-focused fields. In Turner County, a rural district with only
about 300 high school students, she was amazed by the
variety of opportunities available through partnerships
with technical colleges and creative local solutions.
The experience reinforced her belief that schools
must prepare students for life, not just graduation.
Knowledge Not Always in Textbooks
Perhaps the most valuable lessons students learn
are not found in textbooks. When asked what she hopes
every student takes with them after graduation, Kinsaul’s answer is simple: urgency and initiative.
“If you see a problem, you need to fix it,” she said.
She believes too many young people wait for someone
else to provide answers instead of taking ownership
and finding solutions themselves.
At Morgan County High School, students learn
a framework known as KASH: Knowledge, Attitude,
Skills, and Habits. “Kids get hired because of their
knowledge and skills,” Kinsaul said. “But they get fired
because of their attitudes and habits.”
Those lessons are as important in civic life as they
are in the workforce. Communities need citizens who
are willing to engage, solve problems and lead.
Education Also About Life Preparation
Teaching government, politics or even agriculture is
not about promoting a particular ideology or technique.
It is about helping students understand the world
around them and their role within it. Whether through
civic education, community service, leadership development, or workforce preparation, schools help shape the
future citizens and leaders of Georgia.
As Kinsaul’s work demonstrates, education is about
far more than preparing students for a test or even a
career. It is about preparing them for life.
And ultimately, as she puts it, the goal is to ensure
every student becomes “a productive and engaged
member of their community.”
Matt Campbell is the principal at Georgia Matters LLC and was
appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to chair the Georgia Commission for
Service and Volunteerism.
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