As lawmakers and the governor continue to insist on “doing something” about education before the end of next week, the state’s largest union will begin training educators to become elected officials.
“Nobody knows the needs of students and those who work in our schools better than my fellow educators,” said Don Tinney, a high school English teacher who serves as the president of the 13,000-member Vermont-NEA. “We have seen that clearly this year, as four educators-turned-lawmakers are key players as the debate over the governor’s plans for public schools rages on.”
Sen. Anne Watson, D/P-Washington; Rep. Kate McCann, D-Washington; Rep. Erin Brady, D-Chittenden; and Rep. Leanne Harple, D-Orleans are all public-school educators who are tireless advocates for the state’s students — and the people who teach and support them.
“While some folks assert they know what’s best for our state’s public education system, those of us who have taught and worked in our schools bring a special knowledge to the current debate,” Watson said. “It is important that our voices as educators are heard.”
McCann, who is serving her second term, said that any educator who is interested in knowing how to run for elective office should attend this training program. “Teaching is hard, so my fellow educators already have a head start in becoming an elected official,” she said. “Learning how to campaign and win an election is the first step to raising our collective voice in the halls of the State House.”
The Vermont-NEA Educator Candidate School will launch in the fall. Its aim is to train and support educators on important skills necessary to successfully run for office at the local and state level in Vermont.
“We know many Vermont-NEA members already serve their local communities in elected positions, but more union educator voices are needed to advocate for change in Vermont,” Tinney said.
Brady agreed. “I’m anxious to have my fellow educators join me in the State House,” she said. “It’s time that our ranks within elected bodies grow as the needs of our students and schools continue to become more complex.”
The candidate training will only be open to Vermont-NEA members and will provide a comprehensive introduction to organizing, fundraising, and messaging and how they translate into a winning campaign.
“As a proud union member, I know the value of organizing,” Harple said. “With more of us trained and ready to serve in elected office, we can ensure that the voices of educators and students are heard loud and clear.”
