A record number of educators ran for political office in the mid-term elections this year, according to an article published online by Education Week (originally published July 17, 2018; updated Nov. 8, 2018). At least 177 teachers, retired teachers, and administrators nationwide threw their hats into the political ring. Of these candidates, at least 42 were elected to the offices they sought on election day on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Many of these educators mounted political campaigns as a result of teacher activism in states where school funding and teacher pay are hotly-contested issues. Of the 177 candidates, a whopping 67 of them were from Oklahoma and 20 of them were from Kentucky. The states of Arizona, West Virginia, and Colorado also saw an uptick in teacher candidates.

“Educators are already leaders in their communities and are often the first to respond to challenges and opportunities faced by their students and families,” commented Carrie Pugh, Political Director of the National Education Association. “In many cases, educators are running after seeing years of legislative neglect and the chronic underfunding of public education,” she continued. “Educators now are demanding more for their students. They are taking matters into their own hands and running for office. They are ready to step up for their students, their communities, and public education,” she concluded.

To view a list of the individual candidates, click on this link: www.edweek.org.