Sonia Chang Diaz

on education

Dear Tim, Thanks for taking the time both to write me with your education questions and to talk on the phone about what supports urban public schools need from the state level. Coming from someone who clearly cares deeply about the role of public education in our society, and someone who's serving on the front lines, it means a lot to me to have earned your support.

Quality teachers are the backbone of the education system. We can all remember the teachers who made a difference in our lives. Not only are teachers uniquely situated to know the strengths and challenges facing each student, they have the ability to engage and empower students in their own learning. Accountability must originate in the classroom. Teachers should be given the tools and resources to work together in developing assessments and innovations aligned with our standards.

High expectations for our students are attainable when students are engaged and interested. Our students deserve a rich and engaging educational environment that includes music, theater, sports, languages and technology.

The job of leadership in our schools is to support the education that goes on in the classroom. Education policy must arise from the lessons learned through innovation in our classrooms everyday undertaken by committed teachers and students.

Each student should have opportunities for internships and enrichment outside of school through strong and active relationships between our schools and the business and institutional community. Parents should have choices and a clear understanding of how to best support the work of their children.

Finally, let me say clearly that as your State Senator I will work to keep public education public. Privatization has no place in public education in a democracy. Schools and teachers should not have to depend on corporate fundraising to educate a child. Teachers have the right to organize and deserve compensation that allows them to participate in society as homeowners, able to send their children to college, maintain the health of the family and retire in dignity.

I'm looking forward to working with you at the State House to constantly press these values into policy. Thanks again for your support, Tim!

Saludos- Sonia

-- Sonia Chang-Díaz Chang-Diaz for State Senate www.soniachangdiaz.com