Campaign Phone
4106569418
As a devoted Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) alumna and mother of two TCPS students, I proudly serve on the Board of Education, with a passion for education inspired by my grandmother's 30+ years as a TCPS educator. I am currently the Director of the Disability Resource Center at Salisbury University (SU), overseeing operations and strategic initiatives. I also co-developed and teach in SU’s first Disability Studies minor. With 20+ years of advocacy, I’m committed to education on the Shore.
A comprehensive approach is needed to ensure that all viewpoints are considered, while prioritizing the highest educational standards. I’m proud of the collaborative process that TCPS already employs, and our commitment to understanding that content evaluation, community/parental input, curriculum alignment, and diverse viewpoints are crucial and ensure accuracy, relevance, and age appropriateness. We strive for continuous improvement to sustain intellectual growth and respect all perspectives.
Advocacy for student mental health is a personal passion and a high priority of the county. Current programming, such as the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is vital to addressing mental health challenges. I am a champion for ongoing/accessible school-based services, peer support programs, and wellness initiatives that address the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. I am an advocate for policies that prioritize mental health funding, educator training, and access to care.
Equitable and inclusive access is crucial for promoting educational excellence and addressing disparities. I am committed to advancing TCPS efforts that address equitable resource allocation, targeted support for underserved communities, access to challenging courses for all students, professional development for educators, data-informed decision-making, community engagement, recruitment/retention of diverse educators, and policies that promote educational equity.
To attract and retain effective teachers and administrators, a multifaceted approach is necessary. We must incorporate strategies aimed at creating an appealing/supportive work environment, competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, ongoing support for new teachers and administrators, advancement and leadership opportunities, prioritizing work-life balance, and recognizing/appreciating the value of educators and leaders.
I have always been a great proponent of public school education. I feel my background in business will allow me to be an asset to the Board of Education. This coupled with being the parent of 3 children, I feel I could lend a different perspective to the direction of our schools.
I feel there should be more input from parents but also from the teachers. I understand there is a process and a board that considers instructional materials. This process may need to be reviewed.
This is not an area I have a lot of experience in. I would have to research the current policies and programs that are in place. However, I feel with the current climate of social media it is most certainly an area that deserves close attention and more active programs.
I feel our current administrators have done an great job in this area and have been very effective ensuring our students have access to resources, courses and teachers. But we don't rest on our laurels and always look for ways to grow and improve.
I feel this is a subject that will require quite a bit of research. We need to make sure our teachers feel supported and appreciated. Talbot County needs to regain the reputation of the County where everyone wants to work. The County where long-time teachers want to stay. Effective recruitment and high retention rates are key. Happy teachers are the best tool to recruit new teachers.
I’ve always been interested in what our schools are teaching, how they are teaching, the retention of good teachers, and good quality education. Our six children have gone through/ are currently going through Talbot County Public Schools. 3 are in college, 2 in high school and one in middle school. I am a former Spanish teacher, having taught in private and public high schools and community college.
My main concern about books and instructional materials for our schools is that they offer our students the best in math, reading, writing, science and social studies. I’m a firm believer in the classics and history. If our students don’t know from where we came, how will they know where we are going? I’m for “back to basics” , keeping education of math, reading, writing, and the arts in the classroom, and leaving anything not having to do with those subjects to discretion of their parents.
First, students need to feel safe in their environment. There needs to be clear guidelines on what behavior is and is not tolerated. There needs to be follow through and back up/ support for teachers by administrators. School should be a place where students have a routine, they know what is expected of them. When outside of the rule, there needs to be consequences.
In addition, perhaps more trained counselors could be on site to help with and identify certain students and situations.
There is a need for rigor in our Talbot County Public School System. There is a lot of emphasis on special Ed and bringing children up to where they need to be. There’s a definite need to bridge the gap. Our scores indicate as such. Offering ESOL classes/ and more special Ed, as well as advanced classes for those who need starting in middle school, and definitely by 9th grade. We need to set the bar high with our expectations and students will rise to it. Discipline is first and foremost.
Ask the teachers! The teachers are in the classroom and know firsthand what is needed to succeed. They know what is working and what isn’t as far as subject matter and discipline, Utilizing the talents of our teachers in placing them in certain positions/grades would have to be researched and developed. Offering support in the classroom with aides, ample planning time, reduced class sizes, and of course, compensation are all things that would be on the top of my list.
