Educational Leaders Endorse Congressional Candidate Vangie Williams of Virginia’s 1st District

October 3, 2018

Contact: Sheri Shannon, [email protected]

Fredericksburg, Va. – The campaign for Democratic candidate Vangie Williams of Virginia’s 1st Congressional District has announced endorsements from the National Education Association and the Network for Public Education Action – two prominent organizations in education.

The National Education Association is the largest labor union and professional interest group in the U.S. It represents public school teachers and other support personnel, faculty and staffers at colleges and universities, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.

The Network for Public Education Action is an advocacy group whose mission is to preserve, promote, improve and strengthen public schools for both current and future generations of students.

NEA President Lily Eskelsen García said their teachers’ union is throwing support behind Williams because she shares the values that students and working families of Virginia want and expect of those representing them in Washington.

“Educators proudly support Vangie Williams to represent the 1st Congressional District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives,” said García. “She is deeply committed to the success of every student because she understands that the road to economic success starts in our nation’s public schools. She will make sure that educators have a voice and seat at the table to not only create strong public schools but to move our country forward.”

Low teacher pay and poor morale in Virginia’s public schools have led to a teacher shortage in the state. Williams says schools need more seats for early childhood education and more funding for infrastructure renovations, technology and improvements – especially in rural areas. She’s also advocating for resources for guidance counselors, librarians and support staff to help students with the greatest needs.

Williams said these endorsements from educators will show parents how invested and dedicated she is to giving teachers the tools they need to succeed, which ultimately helps all of us.

“I know what it’s like to be a student growing up in the Virginia public school system, and what it’s like as a parent who wants the best for our children,” said Williams. “As the mother of six daughters, including a child who has special needs, I understand the importance of making sure our children receive a quality education. It starts with investing in public education and taking care of our teachers.”

All of Williams’ daughters have graduated or are currently enrolled in the public school system. She’s a staunch advocate for access to affordable and a quality education – from pre-K to university.

“I put myself through college while working full-time as a parent. I know the financial burden we put on students to attain a degree so they can be gainfully employed, leaving too many Americans in debt. Not only am I committed to fighting for making higher education more affordable, but I’m also going to fight for vocational training so we produce a skilled workforce. Higher education should be available to everyone, and so should learning a career trade.”

Williams’ INVEST (Income Now for Veterans, Enlisted Military Families, Safety Officers and Teachers) initiative would exempt the first $50,000 of federal income tax for educators. This would provide an additional $5000 to a teacher’s paycheck.

Williams currently works full time for a major government contractor as a Strategic Planner/Senior Project Control Principal where she leads projects on national security, manages critical infrastructure projects and ensures public services run smoothly. In June, Williams secured the Democratic party nomination, beating several other candidates.

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