About
I grew up in public schools.
From the day I chose to become a teacher, I loved this line of work. It’s my second home.
It is true, I did change my job and employer many times, but the idea of leaving education for something else? It never crossed my mind.
I’ve taught every age level from kindergarten to adults. In public schools and private schools. From traditional classrooms to special education and the arts.
I’ve been fortunate to contribute at the leadership level as a school principal, head of school, founding board member of a national education organization, producer of local and national conferences, and creator of a school modeled around parent participation.
Teacher mobility is all too rare in education. I found it stimulating, and it induced my own growth. Change always came with an invitation to learn something new, solve a new problem, or work with a new group of children or adults.
I genuinely believe I could not have written Dear Democracy without the wide range of experiences I was afforded. They empowered me to look harder, ask tough questions, and take an inclusive approach to decision-making that touches the lives of others.
I care deeply about our democracy and know first-hand about the profound role education plays in upholding democratic principles and institutions. In researching and writing this book, I came to truly understand why education and democracy go hand in hand and why they are in the state they are in. I am convinced now more than ever that we can do better, together.
