The Power of Teacher Lawmakers
What happens when educators bring their classroom insights to the Nevada Legislature? You get policymakers uniquely understanding the state education system’s challenges and opportunities. CCSD boasts dedicated teachers and principals who not only shape young minds but also craft state policy. These teacher lawmakers, including Assemblymember Reuben D’Silva, Senator Shelly Cruz-Crawford, and Assemblymember Brittney Miller, are making strides in education policy, prioritizing student success and teacher support.
Classroom Experience Meets Policy Expertise
Nevada’s education system faces unique challenges, from funding disparities to growing class sizes. Many of these obstacles require nuanced solutions that only those with firsthand classroom experience can address. Assemblymember Reuben D’Silva, a teacher himself, emphasizes the importance of adequate funding, explaining, “If we can aim for $17,000 per student, we’d approach the national average—something our students deserve”. D’Silva advocates for long-term investments in public education and recognizes how funding decisions directly impact students and teachers alike.
On the other hand, Senator Shelly Cruz-Crawford believes manageable class sizes are fundamental for better learning outcomes. “Class size reduction directly impacts student success. It’s an investment that touches every child,” she emphasized.
These statements are more than rhetoric—they’re calls to action shaped by years of teaching and leadership experience.
Navigating Policy with a Teacher’s Perspective
One of the unique benefits of having educators in the legislature is their ability to apply classroom insights to crafting effective laws. Assemblymember Brittney Miller highlighted the importance of rooting policies in reality rather than assumptions. “Policies must be based on facts, not assumptions. I know firsthand the impact of every decision, from curriculum to teacher workloads,” Miller explained.
Miller’s dual role as a teacher and lawmaker allows her to test policies in the environments they are designed to affect. She lives the results of legislative decisions every day in her classroom, giving her an unparalleled perspective on what works and what doesn’t.
Education’s Ripple Effect on Society
Teacher lawmakers also understand that education is not isolated from broader societal impacts. Assemblymember Reuben D’Silva shared a powerful reminder that education is foundational to our community’s future. “Education isn’t just classrooms. It’s our community, economy, and growth—it all starts here”.
Similarly, Senator Cruz-Crawford shed light on how education intersects with infrastructure. Discussing broadband access, she noted, “Infrastructure gaps like broadband are barriers we cannot ignore—they impact the entire community”. This vital issue gained prominence during remote learning periods, and Cruz-Crawford’s work has driven initiatives to expand access to high-speed internet statewide.
Forward-Thinking Leadership
These educator-lawmakers are pushing for long-term changes that prioritize students, families, and teachers. From steady increases in teacher salaries to addressing housing affordability, they’re taking a holistic approach to bettering Nevada’s education system.
Assemblymember D’Silva, who balances his teaching role with legislative responsibilities, perfectly summarized his dual mission. “It’s about making real change, whether in the legislature or in the classroom. Students and families look to us to lead”.
Why Educators in the Legislature Matter
Having educators in legislative roles isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. With educators like D’Silva, Cruz-Crawford, and Miller shaping policies, Nevada is bridging the gap between classroom realities and legislative goals. Their firsthand experience provides an unshakable foundation for informed decision-making, ensuring that education reform aligns with the actual needs of students and teachers.
Get Involved
The educator-lawmakers emphasized the importance of constituents speaking up and engaging in the legislative process to inspire meaningful change in our schools and communities. Whether by submitting public comments or contacting lawmakers directly, your involvement plays a vital role in shaping the future of education in Nevada.
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