Mike sees the importance of practical and vocational education, which can be initiated early in a student's life, as seen in schools like Gillingham Charter School which focus on teaching life skills alongside academics.

Mike believes schools are to provide not only academic knowledge but also life skills and civic education, suggesting that educational policy, like the No Child Left Behind Act, has led schools to focus too much on standardized tests at the expense of a broader curriculum. He suggests that schools should offer a variety of programs, including free meals and vocational training, to help students become well-rounded individuals prepared for various aspects of life.

The importance of recognizing and valuing all types of skills and professions means challenging the notion of "unskilled" labor – all labor is skilled labor. This respect for all forms of work, along with an educational system that supports diverse paths, is vital for creating a society that appreciates and cultivates various talents and abilities.