In my race, I will be the only person who has worked as a teacher.

I was a substitute teacher for the North Muskegon, Reeths Puffer, and Mona Shores Public Schools. I understand your title may say “teacher”, but you are far more to the kids. You are a role model, a therapist, an inspiration, a counselor, everything!

Where we stand now, teachers are overwhelmed by large class sizes, underpaid as they work multiple jobs, frustrated by the benefits that have continued to be cut, and exhausted by the politicization of education.

I support investments in our public school system to do the following:

• Make teaching a more attractive career

• Bring back pension benefits to increase teacher retention

• Limit class sizes to ensure children receive the attention they need