With less than three weeks to Election Day, educators have to make an important decision: Which person is best fit to get American education back on track.

For years, reports have shown the United States is falling further behind other countries, noticeably in mathematics and science. And, looking at the last five years, we have not improved even with an increase in rigorous standards.

It comes down to who has a better plan for education. It is not a popularity contest. While both candidates have their flaws, we are not voting for the prom king/queen; we are voting on someone's ability to lead our country for the next four years.

With an increase of teachers leaving the profession, and college students choosing not to pursue careers in education, how is it that we build back what was a great system, a system where we can still hold teachers and students accountable but also hold policymakers accountable. They are the ones who create the laws by which the districts, schools, principals and teachers have to abide.

With all the negativity surrounding this election, I urge Capital Region teachers to put aside personal feelings and to look at which candidate has a solid plan for education. We have been the scapegoat for too long for a failing system, and it is time we started to make choices that benefit students as well as professionals. Nov. 8, no matter the outcome, will be a turning point in the American presidency. For the sake of our students, let's do what is right by them.

Jason Breslin


Instructional Coach

America Achieves New York Educator Voice Fellow

Capital Region BOCES