Marine Veteran and Former Educator Urges Communities to Reinforce Early Learning, Discipline, and Mentorship
GREENSBORO, NC / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / Retired U.S. Marine and former educator Dr. Curtis Bigelow is calling for renewed focus on early childhood education, character development, and mentorship, citing growing concerns about declining academic readiness and leadership skills among young students.
Drawing from decades of experience in the military, law enforcement, and education, Bigelow is using his voice to advocate for stronger community involvement in shaping future generations. His message aligns with the lessons he shared in the feature "Curtis Bigelow: From the Battlefield to the Classroom."
"Discipline and respect aren't things you can teach overnight," Bigelow says. "They start early - at home, in the classroom, and in the community. We can't expect kids to lead tomorrow if we're not leading them today."
The Urgent Need for Early Educational Engagement
Recent studies underscore Bigelow's concern. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 33% of U.S. fourth graders are reading at or above a proficient level. Early literacy, experts say, is one of the strongest indicators of long-term academic success and even future earning potential.
Bigelow's upcoming book, "4th Place: Gaining Momentum through Reading," was inspired by this reality. It's designed to help parents prepare their children for early academic challenges, especially around third-grade testing - a critical point in educational development.
"By third grade, reading stops being about learning words and starts being about learning concepts," he explains. "If a child falls behind then, it's not just a school problem - it becomes a life problem. That's why parents have to be part of the process from day one."
He encourages families to create learning-friendly environments at home by reading together, setting small goals, and reinforcing daily habits. "It's not about perfection," he adds. "It's about presence. Children remember the time you invest in them."
Bringing Back Character and Leadership Education
Beyond academics, Bigelow believes modern education needs to put more emphasis on character and leadership - values he spent years teaching as a JROTC instructor in Guilford County Schools.
"Students need to learn how to lead with integrity," he says. "That means being accountable, treating people with respect, and doing the right thing even when no one's watching."
Bigelow's own background - from earning the NCO of the Year Award in the U.S. Marine Corps to becoming Chief of Police and Associate Vice Chancellor at North Carolina A&T State University - reflects his lifelong belief that leadership is built on consistency and example, not authority.
"When I taught JROTC, it wasn't just about drills and uniforms," he says. "It was about showing kids how to stand tall - literally and figuratively. Some of those lessons stuck with them long after graduation."
According to the American Psychological Association, students involved in structured mentorship or leadership programs are 52% more likely to pursue higher education and 36% less likely to engage in risky behaviour.
"That's the power of guidance," Bigelow explains. "When young people have someone to look up to, they make better decisions. It's that simple."
Lead by Example
Bigelow's message is both urgent and hopeful. He believes that positive change starts not in government offices or school boards, but in living rooms, libraries, and local parks - anywhere people can connect and invest in young lives.
"You don't need to be a teacher or a Marine to make a difference," he says. "You just have to care enough to show up. Volunteer at a school, coach a youth team, read to a child. It all counts."
He also challenges parents and community leaders to focus on action over blame. "We spend too much time pointing fingers and not enough time lifting each other up," he says. "Real leadership is about service. When we serve our kids, we strengthen our communities."
Why It Matters Now
Bigelow points to the long-term consequences of disengagement. A report from The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that students who can't read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Meanwhile, chronic absenteeism and post-pandemic learning loss continue to widen academic gaps nationwide.
"Those numbers are alarming," Bigelow says. "But numbers can change - if we act. Every child who learns to read, every teen who learns to lead, every adult who mentors - that's progress."
A Life Built on Service
For Bigelow, this advocacy is more than a cause - it's a continuation of a lifetime of service. From his time in the Marine Corps to his role as a police chief and later as an educator, he has seen how structure, compassion, and mentorship can transform lives.
"Whether it's on the battlefield or in the classroom, leadership looks the same," he reflects. "You show up. You stay calm. You do the work. And you never give up on your team."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Curtis Bigelow
Dr. Curtis Bigelow is a Marine Corps veteran, former Chief of Police, and retired educator based in North Carolina. He holds multiple degrees, including an Ed.D. from the University of the Cumberlands. A lifelong advocate for education and leadership, Bigelow is the author of Bathsheba David's Goliath and the forthcoming 4th Place: Learning to Read. He continues to mentor young people and substitute teach in Guilford County Schools.
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SOURCE: Curtis Bigelow
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