Choice of 2 Democrats for AZ Superintendent of Public Instruction

Two Democrats Dr.David Garcia and Sharon Thomas  are running in the Arizona primary (August 26) for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction.  The winner of this race will face of the winner of the Republican primary between incumbent John Huppenthal and Diane Douglas.

In case you haven’t cast your early ballot and prefer to vote later, or on election day, there’s still time to consider the 2 candidates on the Democratic ticket:

Dr. David Garcia, Associate Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.  Bio from Citizens Clean Elections Commission Voter guide:

Party:  Democrat     Campaign Funding:  Traditional     Web:  www.dg4az.com

As a 4th-generation Arizonan, public school parent and ASU professor, I know our schools,  students and state are not falling behind because of a lack of talent. We are racing to the  bottom because of a lack of vision and expertise at the top. Arizona’s public schools have been  struggling under the weight of increased demands and drastic funding cuts. We face an  alarming achievement gap, an overreliance on test scores over commonsense instruction, and a  lack of leadership from the state superintendent. I’ve devoted my career to improving our public  schools. I’ve been an education policy analyst, research director and Associate State  Superintendent for Standards and Accountability. I have the expertise and ideas that will  strengthen our public schools. As a professor, I’ve trained hundreds of Arizona’s educators. I  know what our teachers need to be successful in the classroom, and I am proud to have the endorsement of the Arizona Education Association and party leaders such as Fred DuVal. Our schools are not better off than they were four years ago, and we can’t afford more of the same. End the status quo. Vote for strong schools and a  stronger Arizona. Vote David Garcia!

or Sharon Thomas, high school English teacher.  Bio from Citizens Clean Election Commission Voter Guide:

Party:  Democrat     Campaign Funding:ParticipatingWeb:  www.sharonforarizona.com

Sharon Thomas is a sixth­generation Arizonan. She is a public school teacher, mother of two,

and former small business owner. Sharon is the only candidate for Superintendent of Public

Instruction who has two degrees in education, holds a teaching certificate, and has taught in

the elementary, high school, and college classrooms. Sharon is the only candidate who has

written and taught curriculum aligned to the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards

(Common Core). Sharon also trains teachers in the implementation of the ACCR Standards.

Sharon believes Arizona deserves a strong leader and advocate who will fight for public

schools. Sharon believes all students deserve an equitable education and charter and

voucher schools must be held accountable for student success. Sharon also believes all

Arizonans play a role in educating our children,

Arizona’s future. Sharon is running for Superintendent of Public Instruction

because she believes a real teacher matters.

And if you missed the July 16 TV debate on Arizona Horizon between these 2 candidates, here’s the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNNF_Rn3_0U&feature=youtu.be

Vote wisely on or before August 26, 2014.