The renewing of public education will depend upon politicians realizing that organizations are most productive when leaders take the time to listen to their front-line workers and implement their suggestions. All too often, elected officials distance themselves from the problem and leave it to those within the bureaucracy to fix. That seldom happens.

Policymakers should realize that with civil rights laws, women have more options and are no longer limited to the "pink collar" education profession as were their predecessors. Rather than focusing on teacher shortages, policymakers must concentrate on creating an educational system to meet the needs of the state and students for the new economy, building educational environments that promote innovation and creativity. That requires they take the time to create an educational culture that trusts and respects the talents of the teaching profession that allows teachers to come to work ready to challenge and motivate students to love to learn.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net