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?"

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My five children have attended public, private, and homeschool over the past 20 years. 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, so I decided to homeschool. After seeing how homeschooling helped my daughter, I decided to homeschool my other children as well.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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