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February 08, 2011 03:34:46 PM

Name:

Jeff Finn

Location:

Iowa City, IA

Party affiliation?:

Democrat

Which issue matters to you the most?:

Education

How does the issue affect you or your community personally? Tell us a story.:

My parents were unable to go to college, so they made sure that all five of their children did. Four of us became teachers (one a police officer- which is more akin to teaching than it should be). For me, education has been an escape from poverty, but even more so it has helped me to become a logical, better informed, and more caring person. I have been teaching for almost a decade now and I see daily how crucial it is to expose young minds to new ideas, to make them question, and prove, and dream. Two of my former students have given speeches to the Iowa legislature: one railed against taxes, the other pushed for tolerance for gay marriage. I was equally proud of both of them. While I am anything but apolitical, what I try to teach in the classroom is active, logical citizenship. And believe me, if you want good citizens, if you want a strong work force, if you want a world that is better tomorrow than it is today- you must value education.

What's the one question you'd ask a politician about this issue?:

What scientifically-tested methods of educational reform work the best and what are the specific steps we should take to move towards those goals?

What's the one question you wish a politician would ask YOU about this issue?:

How would you reform the educational system?

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