America’s massive labor crisis started in the classroom, not the workplace

America has nearly 7 million unfilled jobs.

Some of those positions remain open because employers can't find workers with the right technical skills.

But ask business owners directly and you'll hear something different.

Too many candidates can't show up on time; struggle to take initiative or accept constructive criticism.

They can’t solve problems without detailed instructions, nor can they handle an ordinary setback without falling apart.

Politicians and pundits might blame globalization, automation or data centers.

They're looking in the wrong buildings.

I WORRY LESS ABOUT SCREENS THAN ABOUT THE CHALLENGES TODAY’S TEENS NEVER FACE This crisis didn't begin in the workplace.

It began in the classroom.

I spent years as a teacher and as a school administrator before I ever ran an education nonprofit.

I watched this happen from the inside.

Schools gradually abandoned one of their most important responsibilities: to build character.

JONATHAN TURLEY: CHICAGO SCHOOLS REWARD PROTEST WHILE STUDENTS CAN'T READ Too many schools stopped teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, sure.

But they also stopped teaching resilience, responsibility, perseverance and initiative.