To the Editor:

I may work in the political arena, but my degree isn’t in political science or anything related to it; it’s in elementary education. Rare is the day that my degree and my love of politics blend together as perfectly as they did today. I just finished reading an article on Ned Lamont and Mary Glassman’s announcement of their education plan, and then read the plan itself from Lamont’s website.

Quite simply, all I can say to them is thank you. I am thrilled beyond belief with what they’ve proposed: people who are really committed to education and education reform on state boards governing education. We’ve being hearing for years that the answer is universal pre-K and full-day kindergarten...and don’t get me wrong, I firmly believe they’re part of the answer, but that alone isn’t a solution and I was incredibly impressed to hear the thoughts on taking it to the next level and actually reforming our schools.

The legislature passed a great education reform bill this year, but we need to make sure it’s implemented and built upon. This plan gives me hope that it will be. I’ve told anyone who will listen for years that the biggest problem with education is the people at the top, the people making the laws and developing the curriculum, don’t know kids and have never stepped foot in a classroom.

Therefore, I extend my sincerest thanks to the Lamont/Glassman team for recognizing that and being willing to change it. Someday my goal is to make a real difference in changing education, in Connecticut or as part of a national organization. But I honestly believe that without experience in the classroom and experience understanding how government can be a partner in that, necessary and effective reform won’t happen. We need people who really understand education to be a part of this change, and I wholeheartedly agree that they have come out with a plan that supports that idea.

It’s nice to see that they’re not just talking…they’re actually planning, and proving, that they are the team really willing to shake things up and make things work better for Connecticut, and especially our students. On August 10, I’ll be proud to vote for Ned Lamont and Mary Glassman in the Democratic primary. In casting this vote, I’m voting for a team who’s ready to make the bold, innovative decisions to help students succeed.

Sincerely,

Sarah Hemingway

10 Overklook Knoll, Sandy Hook                                         July 13, 2010