Christeena Gallahue for OCBOE District 2

When teachers have the resources, support, leadership, and respect they deserve, students benefit. Supporting teachers is not simply about compensation. It is about creating an environment where educators can focus on what they were called to do; teach, inspire, and help students succeed.

I have:

• Worked alongside teachers, counselors, therapists, and other educational professionals in behavioral health and child psychiatry.
• Seen the difference that dedicated and well prepared educators can make in a child's life.
• Benefited from teachers and mentors who helped shape my own educational journey and encouraged me to pursue my goals.
• Listened to teachers, parents, and students discuss both the strengths and challenges facing today's classrooms.
• Learned that teachers are most effective when they have the training, resources, leadership, and support necessary to focus on teaching.
• Learned that these experiences have reinforced my belief that supporting teachers is one of the most important investments we can make in student success.

Many people say great schools begin with great teachers. I believe great schools begin with leaders who support those teachers.

I have always encouraged my own children to pursue their passions, because meaningful work often grows from doing what you love. For many educators, teaching is far more than a job. It is a calling. Teachers enter the profession because they want to make a difference in the lives of students, inspire learning, and help children reach their potential.

My sister is a teacher, and through her experiences, I have gained additional appreciation for both the rewards and challenges educators face each day. I know that most teachers do not enter this profession because of a paycheck. They do it because they care deeply about children and believe in the power of education. My goal is to support educators in ways that help them rediscover, maintain, and thrive in the passion that first led them to the classroom.

If elected, I will support:

• Policies that strengthen teacher retention and improve working conditions.
• School leaders who listen to educators, value their expertise, and provide meaningful support.
• Resources and support systems that help teachers meet the academic, behavioral, emotional, and special education needs of their students.
• Safe, respectful, and productive learning environments for both students and staff.
• Collaboration between educators, families, and school leaders.
• Professional development and training that equips teachers with practical tools and strategies for success.
• Behavioral supports, intervention services, counselors, and specialized personnel that allow teachers to focus on teaching rather than managing challenges alone.
• Clear expectations, consistent leadership, and accountability systems that create stability and support throughout the district.
• Efforts to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens that take time away from classroom instruction.
• Recognition of teachers as skilled professionals whose knowledge, experience, and dedication deserve respect.
• Efforts to help teachers maintain the passion that brought them into the profession.
• Policies that encourage teacher input and ensure educators have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their classrooms and students.
• A culture that values professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

When our teachers thrive, our students thrive, and our schools become stronger for everyone.