Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

As a teacher in a middle school in KC's urban core, I learned first-hand the problems of a struggling school system. Lack of funding meant teachers bought their own sets of classroom books. There was uncertainty around testing and performance. Cuts to programs meant that our students missed out on enriching opportunities. My students' basic needs too often went neglected. These experiences informed my decision to run for office, and my greatest commitment is to advocate for our kids.

In order to set students up for success, we must prioritize these areas:

-Investments in early childhood education and universal pre-K in Missouri. Decades of research proves public investment in early childhood education offers tremendous economic and social benefit.

-Recruitment and retention of high quality educators. Missouri is on the brink of a major teacher shortage; we need great people in the classroom, and we need them to feel supported.

-Focus on early literacy. It's hugely important that students read on grade level and eventually graduate from "learning to read" to "reading to learn".

-Student-centered instruction that excites students' curiosities and passions. We must encourage practices like project learning that engender high levels of engagement and critical thinking.

We know a highly educated and skilled workforce is key to a strong economy and positive society. We must fund education and create policy that demonstrates a commitment to our children's futures.

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