Member, State Board of Education, District 8
Dana Van de Walker
Democrat
Qualifications
What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I am a lifelong educator with more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. I am passionate about student success, curriculum development, career readiness, and keeping religion out of school
Teacher Support
How can the SBOE invest in the profession of teaching to support high-quality instruction?
Texas has a teacher crisis. We have too few teachers overall, along with an unacceptable percentage of teachers coming into our districts without certification (or with alternate certification still in progress). We are also having a retention crisis. Texas teachers are underpaid and underappreciated. I support an across-the-board increase in teacher salaries and an end to state school takeovers.
AI in the Curriculum
What knowledge and skills related to artificial intelligence (AI) should be included in the Texas curriculum?
Educators should not be afraid of AI. We need to understand how to use it and how it will impact the future of education and the workforce that we are preparing students for. That said, I think we need to construct an AI advisory committee to address complicated questions around the ethical use of AI in the classroom, along with where barriers and restrictions should be placed.
Civics
How can Texas improve civics education and understanding of government?
As a government professor, I know the importance of ensuring our young folks are educated on civic engagement and local politics. I originally hail from an Illinois, a state that has mandatory federal and state constitutional tests that are requirements for high school graduation. These tests are not unlike those required for new citizens. I support introducing these as a graduation requirement.
Reading Lists
What considerations would guide your recommendations when revising books lists for required reading?
Reading selections should be largely in the hands of teachers in the classroom. Indeed, teachers know best what books are suitable for their students and how to bring in authors and options that reflect their school’s demographics. I think that only 1-2 books should be state-mandated for each grade. The rest should be selected by the teachers. Also, I firmly oppose religion in public schools.
