The moment I stepped into my assigned science classroom, I realized that my journey as a 6th-grade science teacher would be about much more than just teaching science. I had the opportunity to teach about our galaxy and hopefully help students reach for their own stars. And on top of that, I was looking forward to giving back to the very community in Fort Worth, Texas that opened my eyes to the universe.

When I first accepted the position, I was very excited. As a product of public schools, I knew firsthand how much impact a teacher could have. I had a great experience as a student. Teachers like Ms. Checka and Ms. Mitchell did everything they could with what little they had, and they made sure we were never aware of their struggles. 

I entered teaching with the same hope, ready to contribute to the kind of change that matters most: shaping the lives of our youth, our children. I wanted to create great experiences for my students and inspire them to achieve their full potential.

But the desks, chairs, and outdated technology—unchanged since my own time as a middle school student at that very school—were glaring reminders of how we are deprioritizing our students and, ultimately, our future. 

So it didn’t take long for the reality to sink in. Every day, I fought for my classroom. I tried to make the most of what little I had, constantly adapting to create engaging lessons for my students. Sometimes, the classroom would flood, and I’d have no choice but to pivot, making do with whatever space I had. I would post my Amazon wishlist on Facebook, where my friends and family generously helped by purchasing supplies and sending me warm, encouraging messages. While I deeply appreciated their kindness, this was not the way to fix the broken plumbing or update the obsolete technology my students desperately needed. Why was charity funding our basic educational necessities?

These are issues that depend on having public officials who truly care about our future—our children. Right now, Texas has a $33 billion surplus for education. Yet those funds remain untouched because Governor Greg Abbott refuses to release them unless his voucher program passes—a program that would divert money from public schools and funnel it into charter and private schools instead. Public schools, which are legally obligated to serve all students and meet all needs, are being neglected for the benefit of a select few. Experts and advocates have been reminding voters that school vouchers harm public schools and predominantly benefit wealthy families. “…vouchers are a legacy of white supremacy, unpopular, anti-democratic, and ‘just bad policy,’” published Every Texan in a 2017 research brief.

Despite the incredible limitations teachers face, they continue to produce great experiences and results for their students. But just imagine what they could accomplish if they had what they needed – and didn’t need to be subsidized by family members online. I hope for a future where teachers don’t have to live in scarcity of resources, where they are equipped to create environments where every student can thrive.

As I navigated my role as an educator, engaging with parents and hearing their stories, I became increasingly aware of another overlapping concern for families and educators: child care. 

Initially, as someone without children of my own, I thought it was an issue that didn’t directly concern me. However, as I spoke to more and more families, I realized that the quality of child care impacts us all. It’s a foundational part of our community and the education system. This led me to connect with BriTanya Brown, a child care business owner, mother, and organizer for Community Change Action’s Childcare Changemakers in Texas.

“As a native Texan and an avid voter, what’s most important to me when choosing who to support on my ballot this election is how they stand on their values and most importantly, how they stand on the values for the future. And that includes our children,” she shared. 

Brown is actively engaging her community through creative initiatives, such as dressing up as a “Super Childcare Changemaker” and reading stories that highlight the struggles caregivers face. These events not only raise awareness but also invite families to become informed voters – connecting their lived experience with who is on the ballot.

“This year for our child care voter events, we are making sure to use the federal Child Care Changemakers Report card that shows how every member of Congress has voted on key child care legislation and funding. We’re going to the ballot well-informed on who showed up and voted for care. And if they didn’t vote for care, we don’t care to vote for them,” Brown said. 

Brown’s commitment to organizing and community engagement demonstrates how essential child care and education are to our future. On October 23, Childcare Changemakers hosted more than 42 events across the country for a National Child Care Voters Day of Action – joining in a united team of parents and providers to raise their voices together saying, “we care; so we vote!”

This election is about so much more than just political parties. It’s about undeniable common values: I believe all students deserve to be safe at school. I believe all students deserve a quality education. I believe that teachers should be supported and well-paid. As we cast our votes for the future, it’s crucial to see which leaders are addressing these important issues.

With the election upon us, I’m paying close attention to those public officials who improve the lives of students — who believe all students, no matter who their parents are or what zip code they live in, deserve access to free, nutritious meals at school and a high-quality education. When I see on the news that Vice Presidential candidate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was a public school teacher and actually legislated free breakfast and lunches for all Minnesota students, it reassures me that there are leaders who actually take action to support all children, not just a select few. 

My vote is for the future—for the community we all share. Investing in accessible child care and public education benefits everyone; it creates a stronger, more stable generation. The truth is, supporting our youth is far more effective than investing in policing them as adults. 

As we raise our voices at the ballot box, let’s remember that our choices today will shape the future of Texas and beyond.

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