2018 Gubernatorial Race
resources where the need is the greatest and where they are seeing the best results . The state and districts should continue to double down on funding what works . ( 2 ) The opportunity gap is a persistent problem with no simple solution . Funding increases will help , but the problem is much too complex to be solved by funding alone . At the state level , we need to continue to monitor achievement gaps , to offer support where the gaps are largest and to highlight and study the districts and schools that are successfully closing those gaps . Both the state and districts should work to identify the practices that are producing the best results , and help highlight and spread those practices across Tennessee . When a district or a school is doing something innovative that works , the state and district can connect the people doing that work with others who are struggling . Sharing successful practices is the hallmark of great collaboration . ( 3 ) Again , funding increases will help . Teaching our youngest citizens is some of the most important work anyone can do , and teachers should be paid at a level that recognizes the importance of the work they do . At the same time , many teachers leave the profession for other reasons , and we need to work to solve the problems that lead great educators to leave the classroom . Teachers need to know that their thoughts and opinions are valued . They are in the trenches every daywe need to listen to them and learn from their experiences . As governor , I would work to increase efforts to elevate the teacher voice . We also need to provide more quality opportunities for teachers to collaborate with each other and to develop a greater sense of community at the grade , school , district and state levels .
certainly benefit teachers . Greater access to practices that are working , more opportunities to share their thoughts and opinions and a focus on increasing quality opportunities for collaboration would also help teachers feel valued , gain tools and strategies to support their work in the classroom and make sure that every educator has the best opportunity to provide quality instruction to their students .
Any final thoughts you ’ d like to share with our educators ?
Education is one of the most critical issues facing Tennessee , and our country . While there are no simple solutions , one thing that we can do that will make a difference is come together , put aside adult politics and focus on doing whatever is necessary to ensure that every Tennessee student has access to a high quality public education .
All of these changes would benefit classroom teachers . Increased funding , including increased teacher pay , would