John,

It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week! 

This week is an opportunity to thank the millions of teachers across the country who work tirelessly to ensure our students are learning and thriving. As an educator, I know personally how impactful teachers can be in the lives of their students – and vice versa! My students are the reason I ran for Congress!!

I deeply believe in the power of education. It helped me change my life. With the support of my community, I finished high school, made it to college, and earned two advanced degrees. Ultimately, I was able to realize my dream of becoming a high school history teacher and went on to be named 2016 National Teacher of the Year.

I may not be in the classroom every day anymore, but there’s no such thing as a former teacher. I took my experience and perspective as an educator to Congress, and since taking office, I have fought for equitable access to education, increased funding for our public schools, expanded access to free and reduced-price school meals for underprivileged students, higher wages for teachers and so much more. 

Teachers at the table where education policy is decided? What a novel idea.

So during this Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s not just thank our educators and school personnel – let’s commit to continuing the fight to make sure they get the respect, fair compensation, and safe and healthy schools they need to help their students thrive.

Washington needs diverse perspectives. I’m glad there was a teacher at the table for the educational crisis we all faced during the COVID pandemic – and there is so much more work to do! Will you donate to my re-election campaign so I can keep up the fight for students and teachers in Congress?