DSEA and NEA Endorses Townsend [Update]

I have just learned that the Delaware State Education Association, a union representing approximately 12,000 hard working classroom teachers, specialists, and education support professionals working in Delaware public schools, and its national counterpart, the National Education Association (NEA) will be endorsing State Senator Bryan Townsend in the Democratic Primary for our lone congressional seat. Townsend is running against former Markell and Carper advisor and 2014 Treasurer candidate Sean Barney and former state Labor Secretary Lisa Blunt Rochester.

Update: Here is the release:

The Delaware State Education Association, along with the National Education Association, is proud to endorse Bryan Townsend, D- Newark, for election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The interview committee, comprised of both Democrat and Republican-registered educators from across the state, questioned candidates on a wide array of education and worker’s rights issues before issuing their recommendation.

“Bryan Townsend is a public official whose actions consistently demonstrate a deep knowledge of and support for public education,” said Frederika Jenner, president of DSEA. “He understands the challenges facing educators, parents, and school districts and is dedicated to providing the resources necessary to make sure every child can succeed.”

“Educators must have the professional support and the flexibility to guide students to realize their full potential, especially students with special needs and students striving to overcome the challenges of poverty,” said Townsend, upon learning of DSEA and NEA’s endorsement.

Townsend’s commitment to supporting educators has been evident since he took office in 2012.

He has authored legislation to improve access to technology in Delaware schools and led efforts in the Delaware Senate this session to retool the teacher evaluation system.

Sen. Townsend is also a strong advocate for improving funding for schools and classrooms, as well as ensuring that standardized tests are employed responsibly and do not impede educators’ ability to teach and students’ ability to learn.

“As the son and brother of teachers and as a senator who has led on classroom-focused policy over the past four years, I have seen rigid federal testing requirements hold students and educators back,” said Townsend. “As Delaware’s next Congressperson, I will push for flexibility and funding to ensure that every child, regardless of her or his background, has access to a world-class education.”

“I am honored to have the support of DSEA, NEA, and teachers throughout our state.”