Put a Teacher in the FL House!

Written by: Stander for State Representative on Aug 2, 2008 2:58 PM EDT

We all talk about education and why it is so important, but are we doing enough to insure that it is a major priority in our country and the state of FL?  I don't think so!  I have been teaching in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 24 years, and have watched education consistently be pushed aside.  Admittedly, I was like so many teachers, wary of speaking out against the "system" - but not now!  Enough is enough!  I believe we need someone in Tallahassee who is fully aware of the consequences of the decisions that are being made there and how it affects our children.  The "No Child Left Behind Act" has done the exact opposite - we are leaving children behind every day, as well as putting them at risk. 

In my school district, within the past two months, we have cut the School Police, school security monitors, custodians, cafeteria workers, and office workers.  Is that protecting our children and keeping them in a clean, healthy environment?  I don't think so! 

Just recently, we have cut our physical education teachers at many schools, of which mine is one.  We now have 3 PE teachers for over 2000 students!  Since we are a K-8 Center, that means that our Middle School students will not have PE this year!  Just how does that fight the increase in children's Type II diabetes?  Next year the state of FL has mandated that all Middle School students receive one semester of physical education.  Where will they get the money and the teachers to replace all those cut this year?

I see no vision or thought of the future in the decisions made both locally and at the state level.  By putting a teacher in the House, someone who will still be teaching throughout that term of office, at least our children will have a voice.  I want to be that teacher - I want to be that voice!

Senator Bob Graham has not only endorsed me in this effort, but is also my Chief Campaign Advisor, for which I am eternally grateful.  I am so fortunate to have someone who has so much integrity and experience in politics as a mentor and friend!  I am also honored to have been endorsed by the United Faculty of Miami Dade College. 

Children are our future and if we don't do something to make their education a priority, we will not be able to compete in this global society we live in!  Stand with me for our children - our future - and I promise to deliver on your investment!

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