Reformer of the Month
Democrats for Education Reform
137
Supporters
47,430
Raised
DFER's mission is to encourage a more productive dialogue within the Democratic Party on the need to fundamentally reform American public education. Each month, we identify one candidate who is standing up for meaningful reform and innovation, and we help demonstrate the broad base of support for his or her efforts. Please click on each candidate to learn more, and give as generously as you can.
Eric Johnson, candidate for Texas State Representative, grew up in West Dallas and attended the prestigious Greenhill School on a Boys and Girls Club scholarship. He graduated cum laude from Harvard before earning a law degree from Penn and a master's from Princeton. He practiced law at Haynes and Boone before dedicating himself to helping the neighborhood he grew up in, which desperately needs his support and representation.
December 2009: New York State Senator Craig Johnson
Sen. Johnson made history in 2007 as the first Democrat elected to represent New York's 7th District in over 100 years. In the time since, Senator Johnson has been a great partner for DFER and supporter of increased funding for public education, coupled with significant reform to change the status quo. Click here to learn more about how Craig will push the issue of education reform in the New York State Senate.
November 2009: New York Assemblyman Sam Hoyt
Assemb. Hoyt Sam Hoyt will go down in history as the first elected official in New York State to take President Obama’s “Race To The Top” education reform contest seriously. Click here to learn more about how Sam will push the issue of education reform as applications for the “Race to the Top” come due.
Alan Khazei, co-founder of City Year and founder of Be the Change, is an avid and longtime supporter of entrepreneurship and innovation in education. He is also running for Senator Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat. Click here to learn more about how Alan will push the issue of education reform in this competitive Democratic primary.
September 2009: California State Senator Gloria Romero
Gloria Romero, the first woman elected Majority Leader of the California State Senate, is a candidate for California Public Schools' Superintendent. As Chair of the Education Committee, she has been an aggressive proponent of legislation aimed at restoring accountability and closing the achievement gap. Click here to learn more about her vision for California schools.
August 2009: Florida State Representative Terry Fields
Terry Fields, a Florida State Representative and candidate for Florida State Senate in 2010, is one of the state's most visible supporters of school choice for parents. Click here to learn more about Terry's fight to promote education reform in the State Senate.
July 2009: Colorado State Senator Mike Johnston
Mike Johnston, former principal of the innovative Mapleton Expeditionary School and education advisor to the Obama campaign, declined an impressive offer to join the U.S. Department of Education so that he could fight for Colorado's children in the State Senate. Click here to learn more about Mike's appointment to replace Senate President Peter Groff.
June 2009: Senator Michael Bennet (Colorado)
Michael Bennet, former Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, is one of the Democratic Party's most knowledgeable and passionate reformers. He assumed office in January 2009 and has already demonstrated that he will be a leader in the Senate on promoting innovation and advancing change. Click here to learn more about his reform efforts.
