As educators, we understand the critical role that public policy plays in shaping our classrooms, from funding to the resources available for our students. In the upcoming presidential election, candidates’ education plans are varied and reflect their priorities for teachers, students, and the overall education system. From early childhood programs to school safety, teacher pay, and even book bans, each contender offers a different vision for the future of education in America. In this article, we’ll break down the key policies, voting records, and public stances of the four prominent candidates—Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Donald Trump, and J.D. Vance—so you can stay informed on how their views might impact your work and your students’ learning environments.
Kamala Harris
What to know about Harris when it comes to education:
- Policy plans include promoting Head Start and Title 1
- Plans to increase teacher pay
- Supported by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- Opposes book bans
Vice President Kamala Harris already has the backing of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation’s largest teachers unions. Harris gained a reputation under Biden as pro-union, leading the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, which aimed to strengthen unions and educate workers on their rights. Harris’ stance on strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and increased gun safety laws were also cited in the AFT’s decision.
In addition, Harris calls for increasing teacher pay, better conditions in the classroom, and expanded teacher agency. At the American Federation of Teachers’ 88th National Convention, Harris said of her opponents, “We want to ban assault rifles, and they want to ban books.” Harris opposes the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” a bill criticized as being too broad and ripe for encouraging censorship.
Harris also rallies for higher Title I funding, disability funding, and Head Start funding.
As a child, she was part of the Berkeley, California, initiative to desegregate schools through busing. In 2019 she called out Biden for fighting against these efforts and shared that she enjoyed her participation in the program. As a senator, she introduced a bill to create grants for STEM programs aimed at girls and underrepresented minorities. She supports funding for historically black colleges and universities, stating on X, “If a Black student has a Black teacher before the end of third grade, they’re 13% more likely to go to college.”
Tim Walz
What to know about Walz when it comes to education:
- Former educator and member of the National Education Association (NEA)
- “Education Governor” of Minnesota
- Advocated for IDEA as a congressman
As a former teacher and current governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz champions public education and equality. He prides himself as the “Education Governor,” creating the “Due North Education Plan” to guide his state toward better education for all students. As a congressman, he fought to fully fund IDEA to provide education to students with disabilities.
Lately, he has earned the nickname “Tampon Tim” among critics for putting menstruation products into school bathrooms. This effort, largely led by students, tackles “Period Poverty,” or a person’s inability to access menstrual products due to financial constraints or social stigma. One in four students report they have struggled to afford menstruation products in the past. This can lead to them skipping school or wearing soiled clothes. Many teachers already provide these products for their students, but this law makes getting period products easier for students. Plus, it reduces the need for teachers to use their own money.
Donald Trump
What to know about Trump when it comes to education:
- Proponent of eliminating Head Start and the Department of Education
- Universal school choice
- Wants to end tenure
- Wants to eliminate Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Former president Trump’s education plan focuses on vouchers for private schools and eliminating the Department of Education. The plan decries “woke” politics and eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. His plan to “Save American Education” includes a plan to “Create a new credentialing body … to certify teachers who embrace patriotic values,” and “Implement the direct election of school principals by the parents.” Trump argues for cutting tenure and promoting merit pay. Trump also plans to cut back on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
During his presidency, Trump cut funding to public schools, funneling the money toward private education and homeschooling. In 2020 Trump was criticized for trying to open schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic without sufficient funding and guidelines for student and staff safety. In his last few months in office, Trump created the 1776 Commission to produce a more “patriotic” curriculum for U.S. History.
J.D. Vance
What to know about Vance when it comes to education:
- Proponent of eliminating Head Start and the Department of Education
- Universal school choice
- Arming teachers
J.D. Vance supports Trump’s vision for education. He criticized Randi Weingarten, the head of the AFT, for not having children of her own.
On school safety and gun control, Vance opposes “Red Flag” laws and supports arming teachers. During his senatorial debate, Vance called for Ohio to lower its standards in training teachers to carry concealed weapons. Vance has called gun violence a “fake problem” and is unlikely to help pass school safety laws.
Where To Vote
When you’re ready to make a decision on voting for a candidate, make sure you know where to go! Vote.org has a polling place locator that includes the hours that each location is open. Find out about your state’s ID requirements here.
As teachers, we have firsthand experience in how educational policies directly affect our students, classrooms, and even our personal lives. Whether it’s higher pay, increased school funding, or more concerning issues like eliminating key programs, the decisions these candidates propose will shape the future of education in America. Now more than ever, it’s important for us to critically examine where each candidate stands on the issues that matter most to us. Ultimately, your vote has the power to influence the policies that will define the future of education for years to come. Stay informed, and make your voice heard!
