Why I Am Running
How do we make MMSD stronger together?
I'm an MMSD parent, MMSD classroom volunteer, former supervisor of MMSD teachers, and an education researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I am running to:
Bring an evidence-based approach to district decision-making,
Strengthen the district’s engagement with educators and families, and
Improve teaching and learning for all students by centering the needs of multilingual learners and families.
Together, we can make positive change happen in our schools!
Why is a research perspective important?
As a researcher, I’ve learned to listen carefully and ask good questions. When we think about making the district better for all children and staff, I want to ask three simple questions:
What is working and how do we know it’s working?
Who is it working for?
Under what conditions?
Once we know the answers to these questions, we can begin to plan for improvement. Critically, answering these questions requires asking those closest to the experience: staff, students, and parents.
Why do we need an advocate for multilingual learners?
If elected, I’ll be the sole multilingual learner expert on the MMSD Board of Education. Currently, multilingual students comprise over 20% of the student body in MMSD - one in five students! Studies have shown that when the needs of multilingual students are met:
All students benefit from the strategies that teachers use to support language development,
Collaboration among staff grows and there is a stronger sense of shared purpose, and
Equity in the system increases and gives every student the opportunity to further their potential.
I want to do the hard work of ensuring that all staff in our district receive the support they need to make students excited about learning and happy to be in school. I need your help to build this district together.
