DFL-endorsed Kelliher Talks Education in Rochester
ROCHESTER, MN – DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor Margaret Anderson Kelliher met with teachers today in Rochester to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota students. Kelliher is a working mom with two kids in public schools.
“A great education is the foundation of a strong economy,” said Kelliher. “Minnesota’s educated workforce has always been our state’s best competitive advantage.”
But Kelliher warns that without bold leadership, Minnesota’s nation-leading schools could slip into mediocrity.
“As a mom I know the challenges Minnesota students are facing,” said Kelliher. “Our schools face limited resources and growing class sizes. Minnesota’s achievement gap is the second-worst in the nation, and only half of our students come to Kindergarten ready to learn. In Minnesota, that’s just not good enough – our kids deserve better.
“That’s why as Governor I will fight to give every student the world-class education they deserve – and make certain every teacher has the time and resources they need to help our students achieve.”
Kelliher cites a Bush Foundation study that shows over the next 10 years, Minnesota will lose 25,000 of its 70,000 public school teachers to retirement. As Governor Kelliher would ensure high-quality teacher training at state colleges and universities, as well as teacher mentorship programs to make certain Minnesota attracts and retains the best teachers in our schools.
“The teacher deficit we’re looking at over the next decade is something we need to start addressing immediately,” said Kelliher. “As Governor, I will make it happen – because a great teacher in every classroom is crucial for our students’ success.”