Education Minnesota applauds Dayton's continued commitment to education

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ST. PAUL, Minn. March 9 – Gov. Mark Dayton used his State of the State speech Wednesday night to reiterate his commitment to public education, from preschool to college campus. Education Minnesota President Denise Specht released the following statement in response.

"Governor Dayton understands the foundation of our state is a great system of public education that prepares all students for successful lives," Specht said. "His commitment to expand access to high-quality preschool and to support public colleges and universities will reduce the opportunity gaps which hold back too many of our students. I thank Governor Dayton for his continued commitment to education at all levels, earning his reputation as the ‘Education Governor.’”  

"I'm sure every educator in Minnesota applauded when they heard the governor say it's time to stop holding schools and educators solely responsible for closing our state's opportunity gaps," Specht said.
"Educators certainly have more work to do, but raising the educational achievement of students in color will take the cooperative effort of everyone. At Education Minnesota, we've tried to harass that collective spirit with our community schools plan, which brings together educators, service providers and parents within a local school building."

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.