Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, carved a notable path in the realm of education during his lifetime as a public servant.
One of his key legacies is the creation of a federal Department of Education, a move that reflects his commitment to addressing complex issues surrounding education, race, and access in America.
Early Educational Experiences
Carter’s educational experiences began in his early years on his family’s farm, where he engaged with Black children of tenant farmers in his community.
However, the harsh realities of segregation laws prevented him from attending school alongside them, a stark reminder of the social divides of his childhood.
In his presidential campaign autobiography, he recounted these early interactions, shining a light on the prevailing attitudes of his time.
In a historic first, during his inauguration in 1977, Carter acknowledged a teacher while addressing the nation.
He honored Julia Coleman, the superintendent of the Plains school system and his high school teacher, during his inaugural speech.
She was instrumental in inspiring his love for literature, notably pushing him to read *War and Peace* by Leo Tolstoy—an impactful book that he treasured.
Pursuit of Educational Reform
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Carter returned to Plains in 1953 following his father’s death.
He quickly became involved in local education by joining the school board, where he confronted the challenging issue of school desegregation.
Although he personally abhorred racial segregation, he recognized that his views did not align with the majority of his community.
As a result, he opted for a cautious stance on desegregation efforts during his tenure on the board.
Carter’s political aspirations faced hurdles over issues like school consolidation, but he eventually gained traction in state politics.
By 1960, he was president of the local school board, engaging with educational theorists who championed equity in schools.
His election to the Georgia state Senate in 1962 further solidified his focus on educational reforms as he joined the education committee, deepening his insights into policy-making.
As he campaigned for the presidency in 1976, proposals for establishing a federal Department of Education emerged as a key part of his platform.
Nevertheless, once he assumed office, he faced resistance from various stakeholders, prompting him to proceed with caution.
After a period of reflection and consultation, he reignited his push for the department during his 1978 State of the Union address.
This effort culminated on October 17, 1979, when he signed the legislation that officially created the U.S. Department of Education.
Legacy Beyond Education
In his later years, Carter became the longest-living former president, a title he earned in 2019.
Post-presidency, he dedicated himself to an array of philanthropic efforts, from international diplomacy to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.
Despite his extensive humanitarian work, he allocated only a brief section of his memoir to his achievements related to the Education Department, demonstrating how education was just one facet of a richly varied life dedicated to service.
Source: Edweek