DeVos doesn’t understand

Without experience as an educator or elected official, lobbyist Betsy DeVos could become the next secretary of education. As a teacher in the public-school system for nearly 10 years, I believe DeVos is unqualified for the job and I encourage you to support Sens. Murray and Cantwell in voting no on her confirmation.

Public schools cannot exclude students they do not want, or push out those who do not meet academic standards. Well-run public schools are extensions of neighborhoods and can make our communities stronger.

I invite DeVos or any proponent of the voucher system to my neighborhood school, Holmes Elementary, to see what an excellent community-focused public school looks like. I want her to witness the dedication of an experienced and educated staff, the incredible neighborhood outreach focusing on building people up, bringing them together and unifying families, kids and educators. I want her to meet teachers whose kindness and generosity reach far beyond the classroom. I want her to see how students there are accountable, intelligent and eager to learn.

These amazing things happen when public schools are fully funded, educators are respected, their unions are supported and their classrooms are provided necessary resources.

Emily Gwinn

Spokane