The number one question I get when I speak with people across the state is, "What makes a homeschool teacher want to get involved with reforming North Carolina's public school system?"

​

​

Five of my children attended public schools. Like many other parents, when the system wasn't meeting the needs of one of my children with learning differences, I sought alternatives. The cost of a private school was out of reach for my family. I decided to homeschool. After seeing how homeschooling helped my daughter, I decided to homeschool my other children as well.

​

​

Since then, I've worked in teaching coalitions where I helped families homeschool their children who couldn't attend public schools. Many parents homeschool because they see that direct instruction produces excellent academic outcomes for their children.

​

​

I've taught high schoolers Biology, Chemistry, Spanish, and Civics. I've seen a dramatic improvement in students' scores when they move from crowded classrooms serving multi-leveled students to small-group settings using personalized instruction.

​

​

One thing that inspired me to run for Superintendent is that after talking to educators and legislators, I realized there is a way that public schools could keep doing the things they do very well but make simple changes that could deliver similar academic outcomes as teaching in small groups.

​

​

One example is expanding intensive math tutoring programs in low performing schools, like the one used in Union County schools since 2017. The district has turned around seven low-performing schools by implementing tutoring for 30 minutes each school day.

Schools in DC have found that in-school tutoring programs not only get students up to speed in reading and math but can also reduce absenteeism.

​

​

When I am superintendent, finding ways to help districts fund small-group instruction will be one of my goals.

​

Everybody wins when public schools produce critical-thinking and morally flourishing individuals who will be successful employees, employers, inventors, mothers, fathers, and friends in the future.

​

State education leaders can help students thrive by supporting district-level reforms with proven results.

​

Public schools should be the gateway to the American Dream, and that's why North Carolina promises all children a quality education. If we fulfill that promise, we can make North Carolina schools a shining example for the country to follow.

​