Utah Teachers Endorse Matheson in 4th Congressional District Race

Press Release

The Utah Education Association--with a statewide membership of 18,000--has endorsed Congressman Jim Matheson in Utah's race for the new 4th District.
"Jim has been a true friend to education throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. From standing up against private school vouchers to helping save teachers' jobs during the recession, to opposing inflexible No Child Left Behind rules, he has been a champion for Utah teachers, parents and schoolchildren. We are proud to endorse his re-election effort," said Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh, UEA President.

Gallagher-Fishbaugh said that Matheson has long recognized the federal rule-making under "No Child Left Behind" is too rigid. She said his proposal to correct the overly-strict definition of "highly-qualified teacher"; use of multiple assessment measures to track student progress and allow for appropriate testing of special education students is the right approach.

Gallagher-Fishbaugh said Matheson's strong support for local control of schools and curriculum, along with targeted federal investment without strings attached is vitally important in a state such as Utah where school age populations continue to expand.

"I am proud to stand with Utah teachers as they work tirelessly every day to raise the academic achievement level of Utah students. They are preparing Utah school kids today to be the employees Utah companies need tomorrow, as Utah continues to compete successfully in the global economy," said Matheson.

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