Spanberger: “We Must Set Educators Up for Success so That Virginia’s Students Can Thrive in Their Classrooms”
RICHMOND, Va. — To mark Teacher Appreciation Day, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement recognizing the role of Virginia’s educators and school support staff in enriching students’ lives — reaffirming her commitment to strengthening Virginia schools and making sure Virginia’s next generation is ready for the future.
“When I was growing up in Virginia public schools, I had fantastic teachers who pushed me to pursue the career of service I’d always envisioned for myself. I’m now the proud mother of three school-aged girls — one in elementary school, one in middle school, and one in high school. I know firsthand the difference Virginia’s teachers continue to make in students’ lives.
“I know that Virginia’s public schools can be the best in the country — but we cannot achieve this reality when our schools are struggling to recruit and retain the best teachers. When parents are stuck at work, sidetracked by an emergency, or forced to take on a second job, it’s Virginia’s teachers who go the extra mile. We must set educators up for success so that Virginia’s students can thrive in their classrooms.
“As the next Governor of Virginia, I will expand teacher residency and mentorship programs to contend with Virginia’s teacher shortage, invest in workforce training to prepare the next generation of Virginians for tomorrow’s economy, and work to make sure classroom support staff can help kids learn in the most productive environment possible. And no matter what, I will always stand up to attempts to defund Virginia’s public schools.”
###