Coughlin to seek school board seat

The Vernon Township School District has much to celebrate. We are fortunate to have faculty and administration that care deeply about our children. Across the district, passion drives learning in the classroom, while extracurricular and athletic programs teach lessons that can't be found in textbooks. However, although our school district has many positive attributes, some things can be improved upon — and that's why I’m running for the Board of Education.

I'm Theresa Scura Coughlin, and I'm an education consultant, a former teacher, a proud resident of Vernon Township, and the mother of two children enrolled in the school district. Over the course of my 20-year career, I have fully supported students, parents, and public education. Whether as a parent supporting my children's learning, representing families and students as they navigate the special education process, working towards restructuring a program to fit the students' needs, or assisting a child transitioning from early intervention into a preschool program, I have strived to facilitate the best education quality possible. I seek to serve the Vernon community on the Board of Education because I have a unique set of qualifications. I have two decades of experience partnering with parents, students, teachers, and administrators, as well as collaborating with child study, medical, behavioral, and early intervention teams. You can trust that I will serve our community with the same passion, dedication, professionalism, and conscientiousness.

To date, moms have been the most woefully unrepresented population on our Board of Education, even though learning starts in the home, and parents are on the front lines of their children's education. It is time that a mother who has both professional experience in education and school-age children has a voice on that decision making body.

As a board member, my top four priorities will be early childhood education, special education, technology, and extracurricular programming. Research repeatedly demonstrates the value of quality early childhood education programs, which set the foundation for future learning. As Vernon taxpayers recover from the recession, they deserve to know that their tax dollars are being wisely invested in programs that yield proven and significant benefits. Special education holds a special place in my heart. As a professional, I understand the importance of proper placement and services for all parties involved. We owe it to Vernon's families and taxpayers to ensure that children are provided with the services they require, that resources are used efficiently, and that the district is in compliance. As a board member, I will bring critical knowledge and experience to this conversation. You can rest assured that I will be a tireless advocate for our students. Further, no one can deny the increasing importance of technology in our daily lives and the workplace; a 21st century education must include a technology component. Smart investments in technology will prepare our students for success. However, smart technology means more than the latest gadgets. We need to continue to choose technologies that directly enhance learning an d make classroom instruction more effective. This means picking technologies that will last, training teachers to effectively integrate new technology into their classrooms, and making sure the technology chosen is cost effective for tax payers. Lastly, I realize that a textbook or iPad will never replace the immediacy of hands-on learning. In an era of endless testing, I will embrace any opportunity for our students to enjoy being in school, love learning, and grow as individuals. Therefore, I support diverse extracurricular offerings — including athletics, the arts and technological programming — that inspire students to excel, foster lifelong learning, and help young people clarify their goals.

To read more about my positions and where I stand on issues ‘like’ my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TSCforBOE. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, I hope to have your vote. Together we will provide our children with a 21st-century education.