Lisa Murkowski cares about our children, our schools, and the future of our State

As teachers, and particularly as teachers in Alaska, we do not shy away from the fact that our job is challenging. Our work is inspiring, rewarding, and important. After 23 years in public education, the last two years have delivered many trials to teachers, and I have seen traditional education transform. Whether we are teaching online or making meaningful connections while masked, we work hard to ensure the next generation of Alaskans have the tools they need to succeed and support themselves, their families, their communities, and beyond. Senator Lisa Murkowski has also been working hard while in Washington, D.C. — ensuring that we and our students have the necessary resources to make those dreams of success a reality. As a result of her endeavors for all Alaskans, approachability, and bipartisanship, she has my vote this November.

Lisa supports education at the federal level, and she has made substantial efforts to improve our education system. Her actions include working to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, supporting early childhood education, and working consistently with Alaska’s university system so more Alaskan students can access higher education and receive a strong, forward-thinking education. Lisa delivers for our education system because she knows how important it is that our institutions stay strong and true to Alaskan students.

Lisa is dedicated to addressing needs specific to all of Alaska, including through major pieces of legislation like the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015. The bill eliminated mandates that unfairly evaluated Alaskan schools and teachers, and included multiple provisions aimed at meeting the needs of Alaska Native communities, working parents, and educators. As our state struggles with teacher retention and recruitment, it is critical we keep leaders like Lisa in office who support and understand our state’s schools and the kids who attend them.

As an educator, I interact with hundreds of students and families. I listen to their concerns, thoughts, and challenges. These conversations are diverse in their beliefs, ideas, needs, and goals. Alaska needs a leader in the Senate like Lisa who does not just vote party lines. Instead, she works across the aisle, considers the feedback of her constituents, and makes decisions based on what she believes Alaskans want. No one is right all the time, but I respect and appreciate Lisa’s ability to vote based on the feelings and needs of her constituents, regardless of how it fits with her own personal values or political standing.

Over the years, an important lesson I have learned is the importance of working with my colleagues towards a common goal – student success. We do not always agree on the pathway to get there, and there are disagreements and hard debates. But I have maintained that if we all focus on the same goal–the success of our students–we will find common ground and see the fruits of our labor. I see a similarity in Lisa Murkowski’s approach to being a Senator–she does not get to pick her colleagues in the Senate, or who the President is, but she is dedicated to working with everyone. She communicates effectively, negotiates successfully, and gets important legislation passed–focused on her goal of always supporting Alaskans. She understands the importance of having strong relationships with people, and she has been successful because of her approach.

Lisa Murkowski has proven her support of education time and time again. I am grateful to have someone in the Senate who cares about Alaska’s children, schools, and families while leading with the same integrity and kindness we aim to instill in all our students who are future leaders themselves. As an Alaskan teacher, I am proud to be supporting Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate.

Kristin Shank Langhoff is a Counselor and Teacher in the Mat-Su Valley.