(AP Photo)
by Mike Moen
MANKATO, Minn. (Prairie News Service) – The start of a new year of school in Minnesota has a new twist: intense focus from national media and voters across the U.S.
With Gov. Tim Walz running for vice president, many are trying to measure his impact from the classroom to policy decisions. On the campaign trail, Gov. Walz has talked about his career as a public school teacher. On the governing side, his push to help adopt free school meals for all students has drawn attention.
Bob Ihrig, a retired social studies teacher from Mankato, is among some of Walz’ former colleagues from Mankato West High School speaking out. He said Walz exceeded their expectations when they hired him.
“He’s just an outstanding role model for any future teacher,” Ihrig contended. “There’s a lot of hope and inspiration with Tim Walz.”
Ihrig suggested it could help make the profession appealing to younger generations amid teacher shortages. In politics, Walz maintains strong support from unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, for actions like taking a hard stance against private school vouchers. His opponents argued he kept schools closed for too long during the pandemic, subsequently hurting student test scores.
Walz’ supporters countered he took proper steps to keep everyone safe and his administration is committed to reducing learning gaps.
Aaron Miller, a current social studies teacher at Mankato West High School, said student performance is a complex issue, along with education funding. Under Walz, public schools have received a big boost but many districts still have tight budgets. Miller pointed out it could be a lot worse.
“That money that was thrown out really just kind of helped us kind of catch up a little bit,” Miller explained. “Public school funding is a hornet’s nest of people demanding certain things. And there are a lot of things to consider when you’re going into it; property taxes.”
Miller feels the perception of public schools is too steeped in “culture war” issues often pushed by conservative groups. While he does not agree with every policy move Walz has made, Miller stressed a renewed focus on the mission aligned with being a teacher should stay in the limelight much longer.
“We need our administrations, we need our state Department of Education, to do some things to help re-instill that sense of support and respect,” Miller emphasized.
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