Editorial: Recognizing excellence in a time of transition

There is something especially telling about the selection this week of Fremd High School automotive instructor Steven Elza as Illinois Teacher of the Year, and it isn't just how he teaches.

It's also what he teaches.

Often, when we think of excellence in education, we tend to think of the subject areas with an appeal to high-performing college-bound students. The recognition of a teacher with a focus on applied technology acknowledges a transition in our cultural as well as our economic foundations.

Not that traditional academic disciplines like science, math or English are not as important as they once were. They surely are. But today's excellence in education also focuses on high-performing students interested in manufacturing and industrial technology.

Coincidentally, that transition is also reflected in the topic that took Harper College President Dr. Kenneth Ender to the White House Monday.

Harper College's Advanced Manufacturing program, like similar programs at Elgin Community College, College of Lake County and College of DuPage, demonstrates the growing demand for excellence in the technical and practical skills of a manufacturing economy.

Ender, who helped launch a Harper program that trains workers and links them to high-tech manufacturing jobs, joined fellow members of a federal steering committee in presenting a final report expected to direct hundreds of millions of dollars in education funding into applied technology programs.

The report recognizes the rapid resurgence of manufacturing in America and the need for high school and college graduates prepared for high-tech industrial careers. Elza's honor recognizes the concurrent need to have the best teachers teaching them.

Elza was quick to point out, as is surely true, that his selection isn't an honor just for him personally but for the high level of excellence that he and many teachers in many disciplines strive for. It's that level of excellence that ultimately will help determine America's place in an ever-evolving global economy.

Nor is education alone sufficient to secure that place. "Government, business, education and industry advocacy groups really need to come together to think more about a systematic approach - whether it be producing talent or incubating new businesses," Ender said, reflecting on his committee's work.

We hear much these days about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - the so-called STEM formula - in preparing students for the economy of the future. Work like that highlighted in Elza's and Ender's activities this week emphasizes the equal role that applied technology can and must play in that formula.