Students across the state are back in class for the 2019-2020 school year. As administrators, teachers and pupils begin diving into new lesson plans and formulating goals and objectives to work toward this year, we are all excited for what the future holds.

I believe in interacting with students and teachers through the power of technology. That’s why I plan to continue connecting with Arkansas classrooms via video chatting services like Skype this school year as I have for the past several years. Spending time with teachers and students in our state even while I’m working in Washington, D.C. has proven to be a rewarding and fun experience.

Our educators have an incredibly meaningful and empowering responsibility to prepare students for success. Young Arkansans are well-served by their teachers’ efforts to help them learn, grow and develop the skills and abilities needed to chase their dreams and eventually contribute to our state and their communities. 

As a former member of the Rogers School Board, I understand how challenging it can be for educators and administrators to do more with less. That’s why I will continue making it a priority to find ways to support and recognize the critical work they do on behalf of our students.

Having a dialogue with the education community in Arkansas, which I do by hosting video calls with classes across the state, provides me the opportunity to hear what is on students’ minds as well as receive real-time feedback and insight from their teachers.

I’ve hosted these discussions with many classes in the past and have consistently participated in conversations that are beneficial to myself and my staff in Washington and Arkansas. During these discussions, I usually try to help students understand what I do as one of their voices within the federal government in addition to helping inform and bring real-life examples to the lessons they’ve been taught about in civics, history and social studies. Our visits also give me the opportunity to personally tell educators how proud I am of them and how much I, on behalf of the entire state, appreciate what they do.

It’s my honor to represent the people of Arkansas in Washington as one of your United States Senators. Engaging with classrooms to share what I’m working on for our state and answer questions about current events, our government and my own path to public service is a unique and educational opportunity for all involved – and one that I am eager to expand this year.

If you know of a class that would like to connect with me, invite them to reach out to my office in Washington to learn more. I welcome the chance to visit with classrooms and educators in every corner of our state. To all those involved in our students’ education, I send my best wishes for a great school year and hope to talk with you soon.