KERRY L. BENTIVOLIO: “I have taught in both private and public schools. My children graduated from both private and public schools. I am…”

“I have taught in both private and public schools. My children graduated from both private and public schools. I am certified as both a vocational and general education teacher, and I also have a master's degree in education. Our students deserve not just a quality education but an education that prepares them for the jobs of tomorrow, instilling them with passion, confidence and skills needed to be successful in the 21st century's global economy. In my State, we have some of the best schools and universities. But what I hear from our employers is that our students don't have the skills necessary to fill many of the jobs they are offering. This is especially true for companies in the STEM and manufacturing sectors. This amendment brings employers, entrepreneurs, teachers and parents together to ensure that academic standards adequately prepare students to obtain employment, enter college, or start their own business after graduating from high school, regardless of their circumstances in life. As a former teacher, I know, firsthand, how poor circumstances can negatively impact a child's ability to learn. Broken homes, poverty and mental health concerns are things that put children in a challenging position. Having a disadvantage, however, does not mean that they do not have the potential to live a successful and happy lives. Just ask any educator. Teachers see talent and potential in all of their students.…”