Campaign Phone Number
7022186988
Endorsements
AFL-CIO, SNCLC, CCEA, SEIU Local 1107, LIUNA Local 872, IBEW Local 357, SNBTU, UA Plumbers & Pipefitters local 525, SMART Local 88, IATSE Local 720, Las Vegas Sun, Las Vegas Weekly, Nevada NOW, Club Migrantes De Uruapan, Make the Road Nevada, Hispanics in Politics, New American Leaders Action Fund, Youth Voice, Councilwoman Olivia Diaz
I've been a special education teacher for 9 years, and have also been a lead teacher and acting special education facilitator in that time. I've had to make decisions that would affect the sped department and school increasing achievement. I had to make decisions that could shape students education. In addition, I would often collaborate with the school administration as well as other teachers to ensure we were being efficient in educating our students. I have also been on several boards for the City of Las Vegas where I've had to meet with stakeholders and help make decisions that would affect our great city, and benefit the people. Education wise, I have degrees in public administration, education and have also taken leadership classes.
If we're talking about the K-12 educational system, then I'd say achievement. For most of my teaching career Nevada has been ranked towards the bottom and for me thats not acceptable, which is a reason I'm running, but we have to find out why achievement is low. Is it the teachers? The way students are taught? Tests? The budget? Just yesterday on the news, there was a segment on teachers being let go at schools because schools needed to balance the budget, as a result students were being shifted to other rooms. That can have a big affect on achievement. If we're talking about higher education I believe the big issue is accessibility and affordability. The biggest complaints I hear are that it's too expensive, or the process is complicating.
As an educator, something I would like to propose is to make learning more student centered. Often times, students don't get to have a say in the way they are learning or being taught, but they are stakeholders, and this applies to all levels of education. If a strategy isn't working, let's talk to a student in a language they understand and let's try another strategy, and keep trying until a solution is found. Just because a student hears you, it doesn't mean they understand you. Educational systems should listen more to student feedback, and also provide guidance even after a student achieves, to help them grow. As educators, we want to grow students. To do that we need to meet the student at their levels, and grow with them from there.
Make college more accessible and affordable for ALL.
Create a better learning environment by improving safety, inclusivity, and mental health with a more student centered approach.
Help build a more efficient college to teacher pipeline in NV and support current educators continuing education.
Endorsements
I am exceptionally grateful and privileged for the endorsements of the Veterans In Politics International (VIPI), Nevada Democratic Veterans and Military Families Caucus (NV Dem Vets), Nevada Veterans Association, and the Armed Forces Chamber organizations, as well as the Independent Black Voters. I am also honored to receive the endorsement of the Nevada Faculty Alliance (NFA). Their commitment to improving higher education and advocating for the rights of faculty aligns with my vision for empowering our schools and educators. And I was recently endorsed by the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local Union 416 - receiving the following communication: "Dear Tonia, on behalf of Ironworkers 416, I am writing to express our enthusiastic endorsement of your candidacy for Board Regents, State University, District 4 in the upcoming General election on November 5, 2024. Our union represents 3,200 hardworking individuals in the construction industry who rely on strong leadership and advocacy to protect their right[s], improve working conditions, and advance policies that promote economic prosperity for all. Throughout your tenure in public service, you have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to these principles, and we believe that your continued leadership will be instrumental in addressing the needs and concerns of our members and the broader community. Furthermore, your collaborative approach to governance and willingness to engage with diverse stakeholders give us confidence that you will effectively represent the interest[s] of our members and work collaboratively to address the challenges facing our community."
I am a highly qualified candidate for Nevada Board of Regents, District 4. I have a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Hawaii Loa College. I served on the Nevada State Board of Education as a Governor Appointee (2014-2019). I am Chair of the State Public Charter School Authority Board - serving on the Board since 2019. In 20+ years, I've earned extensive board leadership experience at the state and national levels and have worked in diverse educational roles, including educator, university/college professor, and executive director. I am a strong leader and advocate, committed to public service.
Nevada’s educational systems face critical, pressing issues, including limited funding, which impacts resources and student outcomes. Licensed teacher shortages, which have led to large(r) class sizes and reliance on substitutes, specifically in our most resilient and marginalized communities. Equity and access disparities continue to affect students from diverse backgrounds. And student (and educator) mental health persists as a growing concern, requiring expanded comprehensive support services. Additionally, many students lack/have limited college and career readiness, highlighting the need for stronger PK-16 education and career programs. Collaborative efforts are essential to effectively address these persisting challenges in Nevada.
I propose several measures to improve educational quality in Nevada. I specifically highlight the importance of enhancing teacher preparation, recruitment, and retention by leveraging grant funding/resources for professional learning and leadership development. I advocate for fostering communication and collaboration across public education tiers to strengthen the PK-16 educational continuum. I also propose further/expanded support initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as social-emotional learning, and mental health and wellness for students and educators.
These measures reflect my commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and effective educational environment in Nevada.
My top three priorities include 1) Equitable Access to Education: I am committed to making higher education accessible to all students, irrespective of background or financial status. I am dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
2) Student and Faculty Well-being and Mental Health: I advocate for the continued development of student support services, mental health resources for students and faculty, and comprehensive, academic advising to foster student achievement throughout students' educational journey.
3) Communication and Collaboration: I support fostering communication and collaboration across the various tiers of public education in our state, reinforcing the PK-16 educational continuum for all Nevadans.
