Hundreds of educators rallied today to support Assembly member Tony Thurmond for Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) at the State Council of Education meeting in Los Angeles.

Proclaiming that education saved his life, Thurmond promised to fight for public schools and educators so that students have the resources they need to follow their dreams and become the leaders of tomorrow.

“My whole life, educators like you have invested in me, have supported me and have believed in me,” Thurmond said. “I am so honored to be endorsed by the California Teachers Association!”

With just more than a week left until Election Day, the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction has become the most expensive in our nation’s history. Out-of-state billionaires and corporations are spending endlessly on corporate charter school disciple Marshall Tuck, hoping their piles of cash and deceptive political advertisements will swing this important election.

“They’re trying to buy public education in California,” said CTA President Eric Heins, “and it is not for sale.”

Hundreds of educators spent the day phoning, texting and tweeting to urge support for Thurmond—add your voice (and video) about why you’re supporting Thurmond on social media using the hashtags #TeamTony and #VotePublicEd. With a large number of expected voters undecided and underinformed about the importance of the Superintendent of Public Instruction election, spreading the word that Thurmond is the educators’ choice could be the difference.

Brian McDaniel, an educator from Palm Springs Unified and a 2018 California Teacher of the Year, said Thurmond is the dedicated advocate for public schools that educators and students need.

“There’s only one candidate supported by all five California Teachers of the Year and that’s Tony Thurmond,” McDaniel said. “When decisions like these are such high-stakes, we must choose the best answer, and that answer is Tony Thurmond.”

From advocating for universal preschool and early-childhood education to close the achievement gap to ending tuition increases so cost is not an obstacle to higher education to championing policies and programs to ensure schools are safe, inclusive environments for all students, Thurmond believes that public schools should embrace, nurture and support the promise and potential of all students.

“Education has always been about giving every student a chance,” he said. “You all are champions for our kids, every single day.”

There’s still time to get involved and help propel Thurmond to victory! Visit CTA’s #EducatorsForTony Digital toolkit for resources, sample social media posts and more.