From the classroom to the campaign trail: Emboldened teachers run for office

‘I ran to make education an issue’: They fought lawmakers. Now, they want to join them.

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By Moriah Balingit, The Washington Post

One recent afternoon, reading teacher Karen Mallard settled into a kindergarten classroom at Greenbrier Primary School in Chesapeake, Va., as young readers worked through a book about pets. Then, she headed home to brush up on Iran nuclear policy.

Mallard has been leading a double life for the past several months, spending her days helping young readers and then heading to a faculty bathroom to change into a suit when the afternoon bell rings so she can hit the campaign trail. Mallard, who calls herself the “Teacher for Congress,” is running a campaign for the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.

“I ran to make education an issue,” said Mallard, whose campaign logo includes the silhouette of an apple. “In the classroom, teachers see the failed policies of Richmond and D.C. play out every day.”

One recent afternoon, reading teacher Karen Mallard settled into a kindergarten classroom at Greenbrier Primary School in Chesapeake, Va., as young readers worked through a book about pets. Then, she headed home to brush up on Iran nuclear policy.

Mallard has been leading a double life for the past several months, spending her days helping young readers and then heading to a faculty bathroom to change into a suit when the afternoon bell rings so she can hit the campaign trail. Mallard, who calls herself the “Teacher for Congress,” is running a campaign for the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.

“I ran to make education an issue,” said Mallard, whose campaign logo includes the silhouette of an apple. “In the classroom, teachers see the failed policies of Richmond and D.C. play out every day.”