Twenty Five years in boston classrooms means your children are my kids too

I am a teacher. Some may say, "just a teacher," but "just a teacher" means someone who knows how to listen and to lead. Someone who meets each person where they are and does her best to understand and help them how she can. As a teacher, I am a lifelong learner who is always open to new perspectives and new ways of building knowledge on common ground. That's my job.

I will bring my skills as a listener and a leader to the City Council, where more listening and less talking are needed. Where more action and less division are needed. Now more than ever.

• Swimming lessons
• Homework help
• Social/Emotional development
• Sports
• Arts and Crafts
• Cultural enrichment & field trips

I will insist that after school & vacation programs in Boston be available to all children in every neighborhood, and that the offerings be uniform in terms of scale and affordability. The current after school landscape is a hodge podge of programs that vary too widely in quality and price. With focus and resources, we can make sure every kid in Boston has a rich after school experience.

I've been a BPS school leader and classroom teacher for decades. I know that our public elementary schools are not adequately preparing our children for high school and higher education. Every child in Boston has a right to a quality public school close to home. I will dedicate my office to fulfilling our duty to all of Boston's children.

My plan, The Second Grade Project, will identify children who are in danger of falling behind. Research shows that children who struggle with reading and numbers at the beginning of 2nd grade are far more likely to not graduate high school. Teachers know. We know that youngsters must be prepared at the earliest grades so they can SUCCEED and THRIVE in school.

Our middle school students in Boston need our extra special attention. Kids in middle school are on the cusp between childhood and young adulthood. They are often left behind, falling behind in ways that are difficult to recover from.

I will insist that BPS respect the needs and priorities of our middle school children and families, expanding social/emotional resources as well as high-quality academic opportunities for every 6th-8th grader in Boston. Our kids deserve no less.

BPS high schools are struggling. Our three exam schools are over-subscribed every year. Our technical campus at Madison Park is neglected and under-used. 

I will work to increase college prep opportunities for every child in Boston, expanding access to tutoring, AP classes, and enrichment. I will work hard to help revitalize the promise of Madison Park High School. Every Boston student deserves a high school education that will prepare them well for college or a well-paying trade.

I'm not "just a teacher;" I'm also a parent, just like you. My own children are BPS graduates. I've taught in Boston schools for decades, so I know hundreds of you personally and I know your dreams and expectations for your (our) children. I share your hopes and plans. I also know your struggles.

MY DOOR IS OPEN TO YOU. Every day. I want to hear from you. I want to talk to you. I will be YOUR councilor in City Hall every time you need information, guidance, or help in meeting the needs of your (our) children.

I support admission to Boston's exam schools based on GPA and test results. Dividing children and families by excluding some because of their racial group or zip code is wrong. Instead of limited quotas, we need more high-quality middle and high school educational opportunities. Every 6th grader in Boston has a right to a college-prep educuation in a good school close to home.
I will work tirelessly to improve academic outcomes and quality at our BPS grade schools, where the real focus belongs.