Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Tony believes that every Nebraska child should have equitable access to dynamic, high quality education that prepares each of them for college or a career. Tony is deeply committed to improving our public education system. It will continue to be a top policy priority for him in the legislature.

Tony comes from a family that has always valued education. For him, education was a pathway to opportunities that held the possibility of a better life for him and his family. As a result, he pursued higher education and was part of the first generation in his family to earn a college degree and a Master's degree in Education.

Tony began his career teaching in a high-need public school in New York City, where he was awarded Teacher of the Year and served on the School Leadership Team developing school-based education policies. Tony continued his work in education by coaching and supporting the highest-need schools and principals in New York City. In this role, he worked to ensure schools were being held accountable to results, that teachers and principals were being supported and developed, and that the needs of all students were being met. As a result of his work, Tony was appointed to the New York State Professional Standards and Practices Board to shape and implement policies that supported New York's teacher workforce. His formative experience as a public school teacher has continued to inform his approach to improving our education system.

As a national education policy professional, Tony partnered with the highest need public school districts across the country to implement progressive education policies and programs that improve outcomes for kids. Most recently, he partnered with Syracuse City School District and the local American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to introduce an innovative educator-led, teacher development program across the district. His work advocating for teachers, parents, and students continues to shape and inform his work as an Omaha Public Schools Board of Education Member.

As a state senator, Tony will be committed to supporting the development and preparation of our teacher workforce, increasing student college and career readiness, and addressing systemic inequities for our most disenfranchised lower-income, Latino and African-American parents and youth.

Tony believes investing in accessible, high quality early childhood education is critical to addressing and closing the achievement gap. He is committed to ensuring that our highest need schools and students receive the funding and support they need. This means ensuring that each and every students has access to a rigorous curriculum in a classroom led by a great teacher and in a school with vigorous and visionary leadership.

Tony is also supportive of innovative efforts that meet the changing needs of students and that will ensure they are prepared to compete in the global economy, including: expanding dual language programs, improving programming and increasing support for ESL (English as a Second Language) and STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Math), and seeking ways to better meet the needs of special education students.

Tony has experienced firsthand the impact that great schools can make in both childrens' lives and in a community. As a result, Tony is deeply committed to improving our public education system. It will continue to be a top policy priority for him in the legislature.

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