Statement from CFT President Joshua Pechthalt:

I want to take a moment to congratulate State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on his success yesterday for winning the primary and to pledge our support as he prepares for the General Election this November.

During his first term as the state’s school leader, during his time in the Legislature, and during his time as a classroom teacher, Torlakson has demonstrated that he is a champion of public education. He knows that education starts before kindergarten and must be broad based. That is why Torlakson is committed to expanding early childhood education as a way to increase student success, and shows particular support in career and technical education. He understands the need for raising more revenue to fund the changes we need to improve teaching and learning, and thoughtfully backs a research-based education system.

Over the past four years, Torlakson has worked diligently on behalf of California’s students as the state climbed out of recession, and he deserves another four-year term. It is Torlakson’s goal, as well as that of the California Federation of Teachers, to provide the tools necessary so that all of the state’s students have access to a quality public education.

###

The California Federation of Teachers represents faculty and classified workers in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. For more information, visit www.cft.org.