Education

The strongest economy in the world begins with the strongest education system. Every child, regardless of their ZIP code, family income, or learning style, deserves the opportunity to receive an excellent education that prepares them for success in college, the skilled trades, military service, or the workforce.

Michigan once led the nation in educational opportunity. Today, however, our students have fallen behind many of their peers across the country, while our educators face growing workloads, staffing shortages, and years of inadequate support. At the same time, employers across Michigan are struggling to find the skilled workers they need to compete in a rapidly changing economy. Likewise Michigan has failed to attract new employers to the state for the same reason.

These challenges are connected. If we want Michigan to be the best place to raise a family, start a business, or build a career, we must once again make public education one of our state's greatest strengths. We must have a clear north star: to make Michigan the most educated state in America.

As your state senator, I will introduce, support, and fight for legislation that invests in students, empowers educators, and prepares every Michigander for success in the twenty-first century and beyond.

So here’s my plan:

Recruit and Retain Outstanding Educators

Nothing matters more to student success than having excellent teachers in every classroom.

I will support policies that:

• Increase educator compensation to remain competitive with neighboring states and comparable professions

• Expand state scholarships, loan forgiveness, and residency programs for aspiring teachers

• Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens that contribute to educator burnout

• Strengthen professional development and mentorship opportunities for new educators

• Respect educators' voices by supporting meaningful collective bargaining and collaboration

Teaching should once again be viewed as one of Michigan's most respected professions.

Fully Fund Our Public Schools

Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of where they live.

I will work to:

• Increase per-pupil funding through a transparent and sustainable funding formula

• Provide additional support for students with disabilities, English language learners, and students facing economic hardship

• Ensure schools have the resources necessary for modern classrooms, technology, and instructional materials

• Oppose efforts to divert funding away from neighborhood public schools without meaningful accountability

Expand Early Childhood Education

Learning begins long before kindergarten.

I will advocate for legislation that:

• Expands access to high-quality preschool for every Michigan family

• Strengthens early literacy and numeracy programs

• Supports affordable childcare as both an educational and workforce priority

• Improves early identification and intervention for developmental delays

Investing early produces lifelong returns for students, families, and taxpayers alike.

Prepare Students for the Economy of Tomorrow

Success after graduation should not depend on a single educational pathway.

I will support policies that:

• Expand career and technical education opportunities

• Strengthen partnerships between schools, community colleges, universities, trades, and employers

• Increase access to apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning

• Promote financial literacy, civics, computer science, and media literacy as essential life skills

• Encourage high-quality STEM education while continuing to value the arts, humanities, and world languages as part of a well-rounded education

Our goal should not simply be graduation: it should be lifelong opportunity.

Support Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Students learn best when they feel safe, healthy, and supported.

I will work to:

• Increase funding for school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses

• Expand access to school-based mental health services

• Strengthen partnerships between schools and community mental health providers

• Promote evidence-based bullying prevention and school safety initiatives

Modernize School Facilities

Students deserve learning environments that are safe, healthy, and equipped for the future.

I will support investments that:

• Modernize aging school buildings

• Improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency

• Expand access to high-speed internet and modern classroom technology

• Remove environmental hazards such as lead and other health risks from school facilities

Use Evidence to Improve Student Outcomes

Michigan should be honest about where students are succeeding and where they need more support.

I will support policies that:

• Use clear, evidence-based measures to identify achievement gaps

• Provide targeted support to schools serving students with the greatest needs

• Expand access to tutoring, literacy interventions, and proven academic recovery programs

• Improve public reporting on student outcomes while reducing unnecessary testing and bureaucracy

• Focus state education policy on what actually helps students learn, rather than ideological battles

Make Higher Education More Affordable

A college degree or skilled trade certification should open doors, not create decades of debt.

I will work to:

• Expand need-based financial aid

• Strengthen Michigan's community colleges and public universities

• Support programs that connect students directly to high-demand careers

• Reduce unnecessary barriers to earning industry-recognized credentials

A Long-Term Vision for Michigan

Education is not simply another line item in the state budget. It is the foundation upon which every other priority rests.

When we invest in our students, we strengthen our economy. When we support our educators, we strengthen our communities. When we prepare every child for success, we strengthen Michigan itself.

Our goal should be simple: to make Michigan the best state in America to learn, teach, innovate, and build a future.