The school board has neglected student learning, how students are being taught, and what they are being taught. These are core responsibilities of the school board, and I will bring renewed attention to what is actually going on in classrooms regarding teaching and learning. I will work in collaboration with teachers, school leaders, and students to be sure CPS is implementing evidence-informed curricula that reflect the needs and goals of our school communities.

As board member, I will advocate for culturally responsive and culturally sustaining pedagogical practices, including intentional professional development to equip our educators to best meet student needs. Just as these approaches must be pervasive, we must provide arts and cultural programming across all schools, not just scattered at a few schools in the district.

CPS made tremendous use of Federal COVID relief funds in specific supports that helped students navigate pandemic-related challenges, inside and outside the classroom. I will work to continue to support similar efforts that provide intensive support, including targeted tutoring, especially to aid in math and reading progress.

Teaching and learning happens between humans, and I support restrictions on AI in classrooms and district operations. There must be an understanding of how this technology can and should be used, with clear regulations, before there is any allowance of generative AI in CPS. This is an urgent concern that relates not only to student privacy and safety, but to the very approach to teaching and learning that must remain student- and human-centered.