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Jesse Stuart Interview (Imaginary)

(based on reading of "The thread that runs so true", by Jesse Stuart

Forward:
In an unprecedented interview from beyond the grave (and from Shaun G.’s imagination), Jesse Stuart shares his views and offers advice to today’s budding educators.

Interviewer (I):   Mr. Stuart, on your recent return to Earth from the after life, which I’ll resist asking about at this time, I assume you’ve gotten caught-up with the present state of our educational system.

Jesse Stuart (JS):   Yes, sir, I have.

I:   Well, then, first of all, Mr. Stuart, what would you say, from your observations, is the biggest difference in our schools today and our schools back when you were an educator in Kentucky?

JS:   That’s a good question – a tough question, because so much has changed.   Remember, too, I’ve only been dead less than 25 years, but to address your point, I’d have to suggest we look at this question in a couple of ways.

I:   Certainly.

JS:   First, let’s look at the Nation’s attitude and treatment of schools over this period of time.   When I was teaching, back in the nineteen-twenties and thirties, schools were not considered to be all that important, especially in the more rural areas, like Appalachian Kentucky, where I lived.   Many of the folks in my county never went to school – they were needed at home to help with the crops and animals, to keep themselves fed, clothed, sheltered, just to keep the family alive!   And don’t forget, too, the Great Depression was happening in those times – we were poor!   Even with the children kept home to tend to the farming, some years, some families still couldn’t afford real shoes, proper cold-weather clothes, or some other things most folks would just up’n’die without.   Folks had to focus on survival.

The only education many folks had was whatever home-schooling their parents could provide.   For some, this wasn’t too bad – maybe their folks had attended some schooling and were able to guide their children up to a decent...