These are the challenges and opportunities facing public education in Rhode Island.
To ensure each classroom has an effective teacher we must identifying and address the root cause of the shortage. Maintaining high standards for licensure ensures every student has a qualified teacher from day one.
Fully funding public schools is the only way to ensure all students get the education they deserve, regardless of ZIP code.
Without quality healthcare, many students can’t come to school ready to learn. We support expanding Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), improving the Affordable Care Act and repealing the tax on employee-sponsored health insurance.
Educators’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions. All public education employees deserve the right to negotiate a fair contract. Educators must advocate for fair pay, better working conditions and our students.
Fair wages allow educators to provide for their families and do what they love without going into debt. Fact: 1 in 5 educators must take a second job to get by. This is not sustainable.
Educators deserve access to the benefits they spent their lives paying for. Protecting pensions and Social Security ensures retired educators live with dignity.
Here's what you can do to support public education where you live.
For every child to have the opportunity to succeed, politicians must fight for quality public schools. I pledge to support candidates in the 2020 election who are champions for Rhode Island students.
Post on social media to show your support for strong public schools.
