Over the years, educators have played a crucial role in shaping young minds, imparting knowledge and values that will guide the next generation of citizens. However, more recently, a growing number of educators are stepping up and taking their role to new heights by running for, and winning, public office. From the classroom to Congress, these educators are pushing boundaries all while seeking educational reform.
In 2018, America saw a record-breaking number of educators running for political office during the mid-term elections. Among them were former teachers and administrators who sought to bring their experience and expertise into the realm of politics to effect change on a larger scale. This shift has been dubbed the “educator wave,” and it continues to gather momentum as more teachers enter the political arena.
Frustration with low pay, shrinking funding for public schools, inconsistent policies around standardized testing, and inadequate support for students with special needs have fueled this rising activism among teachers. Instead of sitting idly by as these issues continue to affect both teachers and students alike, they have chosen to step up and take matters into their own hands by running for public office.
One of the most notable cases is that of Jahana Hayes from Connecticut’s Fifth District. A former history teacher who began her career in education in 2003, Hayes was named National Teacher of the Year in 2016. She went on to run for Congress during the 2018 election cycle as a Democratic candidate and won. Hayes credits her experiences as an educator with preparing her well for legislative work: “Teaching has made me strong – strong enough to stand up for what I believe in,” she said.
In addition to Hayes, several other educators were elected during the mid-term elections. These teacher-representatives bring unique perspectives to legislative bodies due to their direct experience within schools; they understand better than anyone just how vital public education is to the nation’s future.
Moreover, by advocating for teachers and students, these elected officials strive to ensure that quality education remains at the forefront of political conversations. They work to secure increased funding, updated classroom resources, competitive salaries for educators, and more support overall for schools.
The rise of educators to political office also signals the importance of civics education, teaching young people about how government works and inspiring those who may feel disillusioned by politics to engage in the system and make a difference. Their journey from classroom to Congress holds invaluable lessons in activism and civic responsibility.
In conclusion, this wave of educators ascending to public office is an exciting development in both politics and education. Their experiences and perspectives are essential for driving much-needed change within American educational systems. As they continue to advocate for their fellow teachers and students, it is certain that their impact will be felt well beyond the walls of their former classrooms.
