Teachers Are the Heart of Our Schools
Teachers are underappreciated, and we should pay them more — both because they deserve it and because it attracts stronger candidates.
Our district is competitive on pay, but I want us to win that competition, not just be in it.
The Full Picture
Competitive pay is essential, but it’s not the whole story. Teachers also need:
- Respect — treating teachers as the professionals they are, not as implementers of someone else’s vision
- A voice — including teachers in decisions about curriculum, assessment, and school culture
- Support — adequate staffing, reasonable class sizes, and the resources they need to do their jobs well
- Professional growth — meaningful development opportunities, not checkbox training
What I’ll Advocate For
- Making teacher pay a budget priority — winning the competition for talent, not just participating
- Creating formal channels for teacher voice in district decision-making
- Protecting planning time and minimizing administrative burden
- Recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching
- Building a culture where teachers feel trusted and empowered, not micromanaged
A Note on Realism
I believe the administration works to listen to teachers, and I know budgetary realities limit what’s possible. The answer is applying the right priorities to direct resources where teachers and students need them most. Compromise is part of the job — and I know how to navigate it.