Teresa Ruiz

Education Return to an emphasis on academic success, rather than political agendas, partisan policies, and frivolous lawsuits. Education Support dual language learners through robust immersion programs. Education Support rural and urban school districts alike to ensure their unique needs are accounted for, rather than ignored. Education Work with County Superintendents and rural districts to reinstate professional development opportunities that have been abandoned under the current administration.. Education Establish rigorous audit protocols to ensure every tax dollar is spent for the intended purpose of educating Arizona’s students. Education End the automatic approval of ESA expenditures of 2,000 or less, which have cost the state over 124M. Education Expand accessibility of Department of Education meetings, and open up advisory committee positions to parents and students. Education Advocate for increased teacher compensation so that our hardworking educators know they are valued. Education As your Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will: Launch an “On The Road With Ruiz” listening tour to meet with families around the state and hear their concerns. Education Ensure students are safe and secure by increasing access to mental health professionals, free and reduced lunches, and enrichment activities. Education Address the teacher shortage by restoring respect and trust towards educators because nobody wants to work for a bad boss. Education Strengthen CTE and dual enrollment pathways by partnering with our labor unions. Education Partner with community colleges and universities to create teacher recruitment pipelines and retention programs that provide incentives, mentorships, and support. Education Broaden tutoring and after-school programs for students who need extra support. Education Restore a climate of respect to the noble profession of teaching and end the baseless attacks on our schools. Education Reign in the universal ESA program that defunded 1B from public education. Education Serve as the “Advocate-in-Chief” for our public schools day in and day out. Education Create outreach initiatives in historically underserved communities so that every family has their voice represented. Education I will: Create an ESA dashboard for transparent access to expenditures made with your tax funds. Education As your Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will: Expand access to early learning opportunities, such as literacy and universal pre-K. Education As your Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will: Advocate for increased funding for our public schools at the state legislature. Education I will: Celebrate the excellence in our public schools and use my office to highlight the achievements of staff and students.