Teacher friends, ESP friends, you should run for office.
Really.
There’s a need, there’s a desire, and there’s precedent.
Public perception of teachers is very high. Same with unions. People trust educators and educators’ perspectives. This is certainly true in our community, as we’ve seen in the most recent election. People came out to support their public schools and elect educators and ESPs to public office.
Recently, my friend and colleague Cody Hendricks, a social studies teacher in Olympia and member of the Bloomington City Council, announced he’s running for mayor of Bloomington in the April 2025 election. Nationally, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is the new Vice Presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket. He is a former high school teacher who didn't run for office until his 40s.
Nationally and statewide, there is backing and training available. The NEA has initiated a program called See Educators Run. You can network with others, get training, and learn how to build a brand and use your strengths to broaden your impact on our community.
Before you let that evil witch Imposter Syndrome tell you it’s too hard or you’re not qualified, consider this.
Actual local elected government work is not complicated. It’s mostly approving budgets and contracts, keeping people updated, and representing your community.
Sometimes there’s disagreement and sometimes there’s negativity, but those who have been in a classroom with so many learning styles, backgrounds, accommodations, and personalities will instantly recognize this and be able to deal with it.
You’ll be in a position to ask and determine answers to questions like:
Is this good for everyone in my constituency, or are some left behind?
Is it cost effective?
Does it align with my values and my community’s values?
Think about what we do every day in the classroom and how it could benefit your community:
Making data and research based decisions
Reading people as they’re learning to determine how well they understand something
Taking complicated topics and explaining it in a manner your audience understands
Currently, we are recruiting candidates for Normal Township and Bloomington City Council for the April 2025 election. You'll have backing, guidance, colleagues, and momentum. Indeed, I've been asked by multiple officials about getting more teachers to run.
Local residents have great resources. Reach out to your union or talk to someone in office (Hi there! Let’s talk!). Your community needs you and we’d love to have you.
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