OPINION
Voices from the Idaho EdNews Community

Readers’ questions: Ybarra’s answers

We asked our Facebook followers what questions they wanted us to ask the candidates for state superintendent of public instruction. We go some excellent questions and invited the candidates to answer some or all of them. Here are two answers from candidate Sherri Ybarra.

Evin Langley Fox asks: How do you identify a great teacher?

Great teachers are all different, as individuals. However, they all share some key characteristics: They work tirelessly, they love children, they are passionate about their work, they have the humility to understand it’s “not about them.” They keep coming back — even after a challenging day. They are collaborators, they are flexible, they create a sense of community and belonging, and they know the importance that education has in a child’s life.

Jamie Briggs Viens asks: What are your top three goals to attain in your tenure?

I will work tirelessly to move forward with education through maintaining a focus on three top goals for students:

  • 21st century abilities.
  • safety and support.
  • and not overtesting.

Idaho is looking for this type of leader, one with a vision for the future that can advocate for students, who understands that every dime counts.  Someone who has already accomplished this — by taking a failing school to four-star status.  Someone who will make us proud, the Idaho way.

Sherri Ybarra

Sherri Ybarra

Sherri Ybarra is the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. She is a former principal, teacher, federal programs director, and curriculum director for the Mountain Home School District.

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