Curtis Bigelow, a retired JROTC instructor, former Marine First Sergeant, and longtime educator, is raising awareness around the growing need for early literacy, structure, and discipline in education, particularly for young children and families navigating today’s school system.
Bigelow, who spent more than 30 years in public service across the military, law enforcement, and education, believes that many long-term academic struggles begin far earlier than most people realise.
“If a child can’t read confidently by third grade, everything after that becomes harder,” Bigelow said. “Reading is the foundation. Without it, students are always trying to catch up.”
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, students who are not proficient readers by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to struggle academically in later years. Studies have also shown that early literacy is strongly linked to graduation rates, long-term employment outcomes, and overall well-being.
Bigelow’s concern comes from years in the classroom. As a JROTC instructor with Guilford County Schools for 14 years, he worked closely with students who lacked structure at home and confidence at school.
“Discipline doesn’t start in high school,” he said. “It starts with habits. Showing up. Practising. Reading every day.”
In addition to his teaching career, Bigelow holds a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Educational Leadership and has authored the book Bathsheba, David’s Goliath. He is currently developing a new book aimed at helping parents prepare young children for third-grade reading benchmarks.
“Parents want to help,” Bigelow said. “They just don’t always know where to start. It doesn’t require expensive programmes. It requires consistency.”
Beyond literacy, Bigelow is also advocating for a return to personal responsibility and reflection in education. He believes students benefit most when effort and accountability are reinforced both at school and at home.
“Education isn’t about motivation speeches,” he said. “It’s about daily practice. You do the work even when it’s hard.”
Nationally, educators report increasing challenges related to focus, engagement, and learning gaps following years of disruption. Bigelow sees this as a moment to reset priorities.
“We don’t fix this with shortcuts,” he said. “We fix it by going back to basics.”
Bigelow continues to work as a substitute teacher and remains active in his community. He and his wife are avid runners and regularly engage in activities that promote physical and mental discipline, values he believes support learning.
Curtis Bigelow encourages parents and caregivers to take simple, consistent steps at home by reading with children daily, setting clear routines, limiting distractions, and reinforcing accountability early. Small actions taken now, he says, can change a child’s trajectory long before testing or grades define it.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Curtis Bigelow
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City: Greensboro
State: North Carolina
Country: United States
Website: https://www.curtisbigelow.com/
