Written by: JR Robinson

As Tennessee's House District 13 prepares for its upcoming election, voters face a critical choice between two candidates with starkly different backgrounds and approaches to education policy. Jonathan Yancey, a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience, stands in contrast to incumbent Robert Stevens, an attorney and business owner. This article explores how their differing experiences might shape their approaches to education policy and the potential impacts on Tennessee's public school students.

Jonathan Yancey: A Career Educator's Perspective

Jonathan Yancey brings a wealth of educational experience to his campaign for the Tennessee House. With 25 years of leadership experience and almost 20 years as an educator, Yancey's background is deeply rooted in the field of education. His varied roles have included:

1. High school science teacher
2. University administrator
3. Manager of instructional faculty

Yancey's experience spans different age groups and teaching modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid learning environments. This comprehensive background provides him with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the educational system.

Yancey's Approach to Education Policy

Given his extensive background in education, Yancey's approach to education policy is likely to be informed by firsthand classroom and administrative experience. His platform emphasizes:

1. Increased funding for public education
2. Support for teachers and educational staff
3. Emphasis on diverse learning modalities to meet student needs
4. Promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in curricula

Yancey's campaign slogan, "Y.E.S. for YANCEY," emphasizes empathy, problem-solving, and accountability. These principles, combined with his educational background, suggest a policy approach that prioritizes the needs of students, teachers, and the public education system as a whole.

Robert Stevens: A Business and Legal Perspective

In contrast to Yancey's educational background, incumbent Robert Stevens brings a different set of experiences to the table. Stevens' background includes:

1. Attorney
2. Business owner
3. Former Rutherford County Commissioner

Stevens was first elected to the Tennessee House in 2022 and has focused on conservative priorities during his first term.

Stevens' Approach to Education Policy

While education hasn't been Stevens' primary focus, his stance on education aligns with broader Republican initiatives in Tennessee. His approach includes:

1. Support for school choice initiatives
2. Emphasis on parental rights in education
3. Backing legislation to restrict certain topics in school curricula

The Potential Impact on Tennessee's Public School Students

The contrasting backgrounds and policy approaches of Yancey and Stevens could lead to significantly different outcomes for Tennessee's public school students. Let's examine the potential impacts on key education topics:

1. School Funding

Yancey's emphasis on increased funding for public education aligns with his background as an educator. This approach could lead to:

• More resources for classrooms, including updated textbooks and technology
• Improved school infrastructure
• Expanded programs in arts, sports, and extracurricular activities

Stevens' business-oriented background and support for school choice initiatives might result in:

• Diversion of funds from public schools to charter or private schools through voucher programs
• Emphasis on cost-cutting measures in public education
• Potential reduction in resources for public schools, particularly in underserved areas

2. Teacher Support

Yancey's experience as both a teacher and administrator suggests a policy approach that would:

• Prioritize competitive salaries and benefits for teachers
• Invest in professional development opportunities
• Support measures to reduce teacher burnout and improve retention

Stevens' approach, influenced by his business background, might:

• Focus on performance-based pay for teachers
• Emphasize accountability measures that could increase pressure on educators
• Potentially reduce job protections for teachers in favor of more flexible employment practices

3. Curriculum Decisions

Yancey's educational background and emphasis on diverse learning modalities could lead to:

• A broad, well-rounded curriculum that includes strong social studies and civics education
• Support for critical thinking and problem-solving skills across all subjects
• Incorporation of diverse perspectives and culturally responsive teaching methods

Stevens' conservative stance and support for restricting certain topics in school curricula might result in:

• A narrower curriculum focused primarily on core subjects like math and reading
• Reduced emphasis on social studies and civics education
• Potential limitations on discussions of controversial or sensitive topics in classrooms

The Damage of Stevens' Views on Public School Students

While Stevens' business-oriented approach may seem appealing from a fiscal standpoint, it could potentially cause significant harm to Tennessee's public school students:

1. Reduced Funding for Public Schools: Stevens' support for school choice initiatives could divert crucial funds away from public schools, particularly affecting students in low-income areas who rely heavily on public education. This could lead to larger class sizes, outdated resources, and fewer educational opportunities for many students.
2. Narrowed Curriculum: Stevens' backing of legislation to restrict certain topics in school curricula could result in a less comprehensive education for students. This approach may leave students ill-prepared for the complexities of the modern world and limit their exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking skills.
3. Increased Pressure on Teachers: A business-oriented approach to education might prioritize quantifiable metrics over holistic learning, potentially leading to increased stress for both teachers and students. This could result in a focus on teaching to standardized tests rather than fostering genuine understanding and curiosity.
4. Diminished Civic Education: Stevens' conservative stance might lead to a reduced emphasis on social studies and civics education. This could potentially produce a generation of students less equipped to engage in democratic processes and understand their roles as citizens.
5. Inequitable Distribution of Resources: Support for school choice initiatives could exacerbate existing inequalities in the education system, as students from more privileged backgrounds may have greater access to alternative schooling options, leaving public schools with fewer resources to serve those most in need.

Conclusion

The stark contrast between Jonathan Yancey's education-centric background and Robert Stevens' business-oriented approach highlights the critical importance of this election for Tennessee's public school students. Yancey's extensive experience in education positions him to address the complex challenges facing the state's education system with nuanced, firsthand understanding. His emphasis on increased funding, teacher support, and a well-rounded curriculum aligns with research-backed approaches to improving educational outcomes.

On the other hand, Stevens' background in business and law, while valuable in certain aspects of governance, may not provide the depth of educational insight necessary to address the unique challenges faced by students, teachers, and schools. His support for policies that could potentially divert resources from public education and narrow the curriculum raises serious concerns about the long-term impact on Tennessee's students.

As voters in District 13 prepare to cast their ballots, they must carefully consider the potential consequences of each candidate's approach to education policy. The decision they make will not only affect the immediate future of Tennessee's public schools but could also have lasting impacts on the educational experiences and opportunities available to generations of students to come.

In an era where education plays an increasingly crucial role in personal and societal success, the choice between a candidate with deep educational experience and one with a primarily business-oriented background could not be more significant. The future of Tennessee's students hangs in the balance, making this election a pivotal moment for the state's educational landscape.