Image source: Michael F. Bennet Official Website
Despite all his success as a senator from Colorado, Michael Bennet failed the second grade.
"I can remember, throughout the early years of elementary school, having problems focusing on my work, and I think they manifested themselves in the form of spelling issues," Bennet said. "The teachers at the school I was going to recognized that I was having trouble with spelling, and I think they knew I needed extra time and some extra attention, and that led to my repeating second grade."
Bennet successfully completed the rest of his education with additional attention and the support of his parents and teachers at his side. Bennet went on to attend Yale Law School, was the editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal, and served as counsel to the deputy attorney general to President Bill Clinton.
After working a bit in the private sector, Bennet returned to government work, as he was appointed superintendent of Denver Public Schools. As superintendent, he heavily advocated for equal educational opportunities and worked to make changes in government education programs.
Bennet has credited his parents as teachers as his support system through grade school and, as an education activist, believes that children with learning disabilities should find support for their struggles in school, as well.
"I think it's so important for us to acknowledge that everyone learns in different ways, and some students are struggling with disabilities like dyslexia," he said. "It's incredibly important that we have systems and people in place to catch these things."
To read more about what Bennet has done for educational policy, read his story on The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity's website.