Great schools don’t happen by accident—they require great teachers, safe classrooms, and real pathways to good careers. Tanya Lakins will work across the aisle to support teacher retention, student readiness, and affordable training that keeps opportunity in Missouri.

 

Tanya’s priorities are straightforward: pay and keep strong educators, expand career-tech and workforce pipelines, and make sure kids can learn without barriers like hunger or preventable safety gaps. This isn’t partisan—it’s what families expect.
 

Tanya’s education plan centers on four priorities:

1. Teacher pay and retention. If we want strong classrooms, we have to keep great teachers. Tanya supports raising minimum pay and helping districts meet it, especially where vacancies are hardest.

2. Student readiness and wellness. Kids can’t learn when they’re hungry, stressed, or dealing with avoidable barriers. Tanya supports practical supports that help students show up ready to learn.

3. Career and technical pathways. Not every student wants the same path. Tanya supports training pipelines for skilled trades, healthcare, EMS, and other high-demand jobs so students can stay local and thrive.

4. Affordable postsecondary options. Whether it’s community college, apprenticeships, or a four-year degree, cost shouldn’t block opportunity.

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Legislation Tanya would support

• SB 1014 (stalled): raise minimum teacher salary with a grant program to help districts comply.

• SB 150 (signed): expand Access Missouri aid for higher-ed affordability.

• SB 172 (stalled): reimburse schools to provide free breakfast/lunch for students.

• SB 955 (stalled): teacher recruitment/retention measures and scholarship updates.

• SB 871 (stalled): strengthen early childhood funding mechanisms tied to eligible enrollment.