America doesn't have a learning problem, it has a support problem.

Teachers are burned out and underpaid, classrooms are overcrowded, schools are underfunded resulting in students falling behind.

Everything is connected.

If we take care of teachers, schools get stronger. If schools get stronger, students succeed. If students succeed, America thrives.

Education is not an expense, it is an investment. In our children, our workforce and our future. 

Under my presidency, I will pressure Congress to;

1. Provide more support for teachers by

• Establishing a national minimum teacher salary, with states encouraged to exceed it.

• Student loan forgiveness for educators who serve 5+ years.
• Housing assistance or tax credits for teachers in high-need areas.

Teachers deserve dignity, stability and respect.

2. Fund schools fairly

• Set a federal funding floor PER student.
• Increase funding for rural and low-income schools.
• Provide free breakfast and lunch for EVERY student, regardless of income.
• Provide updated textbooks, technology and internet access.

Right now, schools are largely funded by property taxes, which means wealthy areas thrive while poor districts fall behind. A child's future success should never depend on their zip code.

3. Prepare students for real life

Every student will have access to;

• Financial literacy courses (money management, taxes, retirement, investments)
• Civics and government education
• Career pathways (college AND trades)
• Mental health education

School is meant to prepare students for adulthood, not just passing standardized tests. Graduates should leave school with all the skills, confidence and direction needed to thrive as an adult. 

4. Homework reform

• Homework only if needed. Homework assigned is only to finish classwork or projects that were not completed during school.
• Emphasize learning during school hours by providing teachers with support and training for efficient and effective classroom teaching.
• Schools will collect feedback from students, parents and teachers annually.
• Encourage life balance by ensuring students have time for family, extracurriculars, hobbies, sports and mental health

School is for learning, home is for living. Even most jobs don’t require people to work extra hours after their shift, school shouldn’t either.