Life may not be fair; but education should be
Willy A Renandya, 15 April 2025
We live in a world where things often feel stacked against people from the start. If you’re born into wealth or privilege, life tends to hand you more opportunities. But if you’re not, the odds can feel overwhelming.
That’s why education is so important. It’s one of the few tools we have to help level the playing field and give every child a fair chance at success.
In a recent essay, Terry Heick, founder of TeachThought, made a powerful point: while life isn’t fair, education should be.
For teachers who want to make a real difference in their students’ lives, this idea offers both a challenge and a roadmap. By focusing on fairness and equity, educators can create classrooms where every child has the chance to thrive, regardless of their family background, the colour of their skin, or where they come from.
Here’s how we can start making that happen.
1. Teach in Ways That Work for Everyone
Not all students learn the same way. Some children pick things up quickly, others need more time, and many fall somewhere in between. Traditional teaching methods often focus on the middle group, leaving struggling students behind and high achievers unchallenged. To fix this, teachers can use strategies like Differentiated Instruction (DI), which adjusts lessons to fit the needs of each student.
For example:
- Students who are struggling might benefit from step-by-step guidance or extra practice.
- Students in the middle might do well with group activities that encourage teamwork and problem-solving.
- Students who are ahead could take on independent projects or explore deeper into topics that interest them.
When teachers tailor their approach to meet students where they are, everyone gets a chance to grow. It’s about showing kids that no matter where they start, they belong in the classroom and have the ability to succeed.
2. Get More Books Into Children’s Hands
Reading opens doors. It builds vocabulary, sharpens thinking skills, and helps children understand the world around them. But for many children, especially those from low-income families, books are hard to come by. Without access to good reading material, these children miss out on chances to develop a love for learning.
To change this, schools and communities can work together to put more books in front of children. Here are some ideas:
- Partner with local libraries or organizations to give away free books.
- Stock classrooms with a variety of titles that reflect different cultures and experiences.
- Encourage parents to read with their children and offer tips on finding age-appropriate books.
When children see themselves in the stories they read or get exposed to new perspectives, it sparks curiosity and connection. Reading shouldn’t just be about grades; it’s about helping children imagine bigger possibilities for their lives.
3. Make Reading Fun and Meaningful
Having books available is important, but getting children excited about reading is just as crucial. Research shows that students from low-income families who love reading often outperform students from high-income families who don’t. The key is to make reading enjoyable and relevant.
Here’s how teachers can do that:
- In class, try interactive activities like Reader’s Theatre, book discussions, or creative writing prompts.
- Outside of school, organize events like family reading nights or summer reading challenges.
- Use technology like audiobooks or reading apps to engage kids who might struggle with traditional books.
When children find joy in reading, they’re more likely to stick with it. And when they stick with it, they build language and thinking skills that will serve them for life.
4. Give Extra Support to Students Who Need It Most
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often face extra hurdles. They might not have reliable internet at home, or their schools might lack funding for basic supplies. These gaps make it harder for them to keep up with their peers. To close these gaps, schools need to invest more resources in students who need them most.
Some steps to consider:
- Make sure every student has access to the internet and devices like laptops or tablets.
- Offer tutoring or after-school programs to help struggling students catch up.
- Push for policies that direct more money to low-resourced schools in the less developed provinces.
When we give children the tools they need to succeed, we set them up for brighter futures, not just in school but in life.
5. Help Teachers Understand and Support Struggling Families
Teachers are on the front lines of helping children overcome challenges, but supporting students from tough backgrounds takes special knowledge. Schools should provide training to help teachers better understand and connect with these families.
Here are some areas to focus on:
- Learn how to recognize and respond to signs of trauma, since many children from struggling families deal with stress or hardship at home. Foster an inclusive environment by respecting and celebrating students’ cultural backgrounds.
- Build stronger relationships with families through regular communication, workshops, or even home visits.
When teachers feel prepared to support both students and their families, they can make a bigger impact.
6. Use AI to Level the Playing Field
Technology continues to shape the way we teach and learn, and artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool to help close gaps in education. While it’s not a magic solution, AI can play a role in making learning more accessible, personalized, and engaging for students from all backgrounds.
For example:
- Personalized Learning: AI-powered platforms can analyze how students are performing and tailor lessons to their individual needs. This means struggling students get extra support while advanced learners are challenged at the right level.
- Accessibility Tools: AI can help break down barriers for students with learning difficulties. Tools like speech-to-text, text-to-speech, or language translation apps make it easier for kids who face physical, cognitive, or linguistic challenges to participate fully in class.
- Tutoring Support: AI tutors can provide extra help outside of school hours, which is especially valuable for students who don’t have access to private tutoring or after-school programmes.
Of course, using AI in education comes with challenges. Not all schools have equal access to technology, and there’s a risk of over-relying on tools that can’t replace human connection. But when used thoughtfully, AI has the potential to create more equitable and inclusive classrooms where every child gets the support they need to succeed.
A Better Future Starts in the Classroom
If we truly believe that education should be fair, then we need to act on it. Instead of letting inequality continue, we can work toward a future where every child has a fair chance to succeed. Picture a world where children walk into school knowing they belong, knowing they matter, and knowing they have the same opportunities as anyone else. That’s the kind of world educators dream of creating. And though the journey won’t be easy, it’s one worth taking.
So let’s challenge ourselves to ask: Are we doing everything we can to level the playing field? Are we using our power as educators to dismantle inequities rather than reinforce them? Let’s remember that fairness in education isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s a responsibility we owe to every child entrusted to our care.
The task ahead is big, but so is the reward. Every small step toward equity brings us closer to a brighter future for all students. Whether it’s adopting differentiated instruction, increasing access to books, or advocating for systemic change, each action matters. As educators, we have the power to guide students toward success, nurture their growth, and create opportunities for them to thrive. Let’s use that power wisely, and let’s never stop striving to make education the great equalizer it was always meant to be.
Life may not be fair, but education absolutely should be.
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