Beyond Gov. Walz's personal biography, his professional biography as an educator is worth knowing about. Education Week published a nice article on Gov. Walz's education history as a teacher and coach (see the link). On the topic of policy (and mentioned in the article), I have found it notable that Gov. Shapiro (PA) supports school choice--using public funds for private education. This policy is strongly opposed by CEC, as private schools are not required to adhere to legislative mandates for education, including FAPE (That's the #1 reason), but also vouchers/scholarships to private schools typically do not provide enough $ to fund a free, appropriate education. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/tim-walz-a-former-teacher-is-kamala-harris-running-mate/2024/08?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=popweek&M=10706769&UUID=d0dc675954cdae272d03f096f552aa1a&T=14102326
Tim Kaine is among the very best representatives in Congress on education issues, in my opinion. He clearly prioritizes (and understands) education issues, having sponsored meaningful legislation throughout his career, including the recent PREP Act with Sen. Susan Collins of Maine (see link below). His awesome lead education staffer, Rebecca, is a pleasure to work with, and equally knowledgeable. (I will have to search to find her last name). In his campaign for re-election this summer and fall, he has traveled the Commonwealth meeting with voters and supporters in small groups. I had the good fortune of talking with him at a fundraiser in Williamsburg about full funding for IDEA. You can check out the PREP Act here: https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-kaine-introduce-bill-to-address-teacher-and-principal-shortages
Beyond Gov. Walz's personal biography, his professional biography as an educator is worth knowing about. Education Week published a nice article on Gov. Walz's education history as a teacher and coach (see the link). On the topic of policy (and mentioned in the article), I have found it notable that Gov. Shapiro (PA) supports school choice--using public funds for private education. This policy is strongly opposed by CEC, as private schools are not required to adhere to legislative mandates for education, including FAPE (That's the #1 reason), but also vouchers/scholarships to private schools typically do not provide enough $ to fund a free, appropriate education. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/tim-walz-a-former-teacher-is-kamala-harris-running-mate/2024/08?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=popweek&M=10706769&UUID=d0dc675954cdae272d03f096f552aa1a&T=14102326
Thanks for the notes and the source, Betsy! Please keep us all apprised of what you learn about the special education positions of the candidates.
Tim Kaine is among the very best representatives in Congress on education issues, in my opinion. He clearly prioritizes (and understands) education issues, having sponsored meaningful legislation throughout his career, including the recent PREP Act with Sen. Susan Collins of Maine (see link below). His awesome lead education staffer, Rebecca, is a pleasure to work with, and equally knowledgeable. (I will have to search to find her last name). In his campaign for re-election this summer and fall, he has traveled the Commonwealth meeting with voters and supporters in small groups. I had the good fortune of talking with him at a fundraiser in Williamsburg about full funding for IDEA. You can check out the PREP Act here: https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-kaine-introduce-bill-to-address-teacher-and-principal-shortages