Educators for Kaine
Tim Kaine knows our nation’s economic competitiveness is directly tied to the quality of our educational opportunities. That is why smart reforms and investments in education are central to his vision for our economic future. “Educators for Kaine" is a diverse group of education professionals who will share with their friends, colleagues, and neighbors, Tim Kaine’s deep commitment to education and his long record of support for education, from pre-K to higher education and workforce training.
Tim knows that a high quality education gives each person the chance to reach his or her potential. As a young man, Tim lived in Honduras and worked as the principal of a technical school that taught carpentry and welding. Later in life, Tim got his start in public service on the Richmond City Council, working to improve public schools. He understands the central role educational reforms and investments have played in Virginia’s transformation from a low-income, low-education state to one with a dynamic economy, great schools, and a skilled workforce that attracts new businesses.
Virginia has shown that investments in education pay dividends, and that is a lesson Tim Kaine will take to Washington. As Virginia’s U.S. Senator, he will work with parents, students, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure that every child has access to a world-class education and every worker has access to training programs that will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Tim will focus on reforms and investments that will ensure America is the most talented nation in the 21st century global economy because he knows that the nation who wins the talent race will win the economic race.
Messages from Educators for Kaine
Jean Bankos
Educators for Kaine Organizer; Former VEA President; Kaine Appointee
"As Governor, Kaine worked with a bipartisan coalition to invest in every aspect of Virginia’s education system and raise educational standards so our kids received a world class education that would prepare them for college or the workforce. By working with parents, teachers, and students, Kaine demonstrated he could get results by bringing all constituencies together to educate a new generation of Virginians who could outpace the competition."
Libby Garvey
Former School Board Member, Arlington
"Even though Kaine served as Governor during the worst recession in 70 years, he worked hard to continue crucial investments in education. I spoke with countless Virginia families who felt more secure knowing that our Governor continued to make education investments a priority because he knew they were critical to the future of our children and our economy. Tim Kaine directed millions in need-based tuition assistance to students to help make college more affordable in a tough economy, and Virginia was Education Week's state in which a child has the best chance for success during his term."
Jim Batterson
Former Teacher, Former School Board Chairman, and former Senior Advisor to the Commonwealth for STEM Initiatives
"As Governor, Tim Kaine consistently demonstrated his belief in the value of career and technical education -- during his term, he created nine Governor's Career and Technical Academies in Virginia. And throughout his career, he has always strongly supported programs that emphasize a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curriculum to prepare our students to compete in the global workforce. We need more leaders in Washington who will work to ensure our students are trained with the skills they need to compete for the jobs of the 21st century."