With 20 years as an educator/teacher, my background equips me to understand the challenges within our education system. My commitment to growth, inclusivity, and diversity positions me to advocate for student-centered policies effectively.

Transparent communication is key. I propose establishing a committee comprising parents, educators, and community members for diverse perspectives. Regular forums and an accessible process for reviewing concerns about instructional materials ensure parental input.

A comprehensive approach is needed. I propose increasing mental health resources, implementing school-wide awareness programs, and fostering a supportive environment. Collaborations with mental health professionals and community organizations will create a holistic support system.

To ensure equitable access, I advocate for targeted funding in underprivileged areas, expanded Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and mentorship programs. A data-driven approach will help identify and address gaps in resources, ensuring equal opportunities for every student.

To attract and retain effective educators, I support competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs. Continuing education for teachers is crucial, providing ongoing training and keeping them abreast of the latest teaching methodologies. Recognizing outstanding contributions and promoting collaboration will foster a positive work environment.

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I am a current Board member who works collaboratively to set policy and deliver a budget. I have served as Chairperson and I currently serve on the Board of Directors for The Maryland Association of Boards of Education. I have received extensive training and understand education laws. I maintain a strong connection with schools and the community. My work as a Branch Head and engineer for the Navy provides practical experience dealing with people and budgets.

Updated state mandated curriculum, including the health curriculum, has created concern for many parents. They should have the right to opt out of instructional material that they feel is not appropriate for their child. All new textbooks are open for review and comment by anyone before being approved. I encourage and support parental input.

I have provided funding for additional counselors, psychologists and therapeutic professionals. CCPS has a policy for age appropriate health education and implements BASE (Behavioral Alternatives to Suspension Education) providing interactive modules for students needing support. Move this World is a social emotional program at elementary schools. Social emotional learning is embedded in coursework. There is mandatory Mental Health training for staff to identify students needing assistance.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s future addresses this. I marched, fought and testified in support of it. Under the Blueprint, Community schools bring resources (experienced teachers, equitable funding and wrap around services) to underserved student groups including English language learners and children in poverty. Challenging curriculum starts in elementary school by identifying students for scholars course of study and all high schools must have AP courses. Pre-k for all students is a priority.

We must offer competitive salaries. Charles county will meet the $60k starting salary requirement in advance of the mandated Blueprint timeline. A safe working environment, mentoring and quality professional development are key in retaining teachers. I support paying for National Board certification which then provides a $10k salary increase. Offering a gradual retirement where veteran teachers teach fewer classes and mentor newer teachers would be an extremely helpful tool to retain new hires.

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I have functioned in many areas concerning education, I have been a teacher, mentor, advocate, professional development specialist, CDA instructor, paraprofessional, and director for almost 30 plus years. I currently own a family child care program in Charles County where our focus is to build the whole child, advocate for our parents, and to assist our community.

First, it is important to address why we have books in our early learning centers and schools. If my parents or my teachers did not teach and encouraged me to read as a child, I would not be where or who I am today. I wouldn't even be able to answer your questions. I believe it is important to give information on WHY we do what we do, or in this case, WHY it is important to have specific books or instructional materials within early learning centers and schools.

I want to be in the trenches with the teens and the support staff. I want to hear their concerns and issues to provide the necessary programs and policies THEY need. Once we know what THEY need to build successful programs, we can provide support systems such as play therapy, arts and crafts, and other healing programs needed to rebuild them and assist them with speaking and pouring into the lives of others.

I would participate in the process of knowing what resources we already have to give to students, and I would continue to research and obtain the resources needed. It is important to use the current data to know where the students are academically to give them the challenging courses they need. It's also important to hear from the students as well. We can do a lot of talking as adults, but students know what they need as well. Unfortunately, some students are afraid to talk about their needs.

It is important to promote competitive compensation, provide meaningful feedback, listen to their needs, provide support to family child care providers, early learning centers, and school systems, promote professional learning and furthering their education, providing mental health services and programs to assist them day to day and to recognize and celebrate who they are and what they do within the classrooms with their students, their parents, and within their communities.