Billionaires and mega-corporations are stealing from all of us. For decades, politicians have promised relief while quietly shifting the tax burden away from the ultra-wealthy and onto working people. The result? Stagnant wages, skyrocketing costs, and a system rigged against everyday Iowans.
Iowa’s teachers know this better than anyone. Schools are underfunded, teacher pay has barely kept up with inflation, and corporate publishers charge outrageous prices for textbooks while limiting what schools can teach. Meanwhile, politicians blame teachers for problems caused by years of budget cuts.
It’s time to respect teachers as professionals. I will fight for higher salaries, fair performance-based pay, better healthcare, real classroom discipline, and an end to corporate control over education materials.
Performance-based pay bonuses are often rigged against teachers in low-income schools. When bonuses are based on raw test scores instead of student improvement, teachers in struggling schools get punished simply for working in tougher environments.
I will require that performance bonuses be tied to improvements relative to the school's average—not just a flat comparison to wealthier districts. Teachers who work hard to help struggling students succeed deserve recognition, not punishment.
Teachers are expected to keep kids focused while they have unlimited access to TikTok, Snapchat, and group chats right in their hands. That’s insane. No other workplace allows employees to ignore their jobs and watch videos all day—why should we expect teachers to put up with it?
I will push for policies that allow schools to ban phones during class time, ensuring teachers have the authority to create a distraction-free learning environment.
Teaching is one of the most important jobs in society, yet teacher salaries remain far too low. Many teachers take second jobs just to make ends meet, while politicians refuse to prioritize school funding.
I will fight for significant salary increases for teachers, ensuring that Iowa attracts and retains the best educators. Teaching should be a well-paid profession, not a financial sacrifice.
Teachers deal with overwhelming workloads, difficult students, and endless bureaucracy—but when it comes to their own health, they’re left to fend for themselves. Inadequate healthcare benefits and mental health support leave many teachers burned out and exhausted.
I will ensure fully funded healthcare for all teachers and invest in mental health resources, including therapy coverage and stress management programs.
A handful of corporate publishers control the textbook industry, charging outrageous prices and limiting what teachers can use in the classroom. These monopolies force schools to spend millions on overpriced materials instead of directing that money toward students and teachers.
I will push for policies that expand the list of approved instructional materials, allowing teachers to use more affordable and diverse educational resources. Schools should not be forced to buy from the same two or three companies just because they have a stranglehold on the market.
Teachers shape the future, and they deserve respect, fair pay, and real support. My campaign is about standing up for the people who educate our children—not the corporations trying to profit off them.