Contact: Rep. Katrina Shankland
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STEVENS POINT- Today, Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) announced that she has been named a recipient of the 2021-22 WEAC Friend of Education Award. The Friend of Education Award is presented annually by action of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) Board of Directors to honor those who have made significant contributions to education and/or the profession in the state of Wisconsin.
“Representative Katrina Shankland has demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing policy that provides opportunity for all students,” said WEAC President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen. “She is a community organizer at heart who knows how public education transforms lives in her district and across Wisconsin. She is a leader in building Wisconsin’s future for children and families.”
Glen Reindl, a 25-year educator and President of the Stevens Point Area Education Association, said, “ It’s rare to find someone like Katrina who has the depth of understanding on educational issues. She’s been on the forefront explaining school issues, putting forth legislation, and demanding accountability on Republican backsliding in funding education. This award is richly deserved and frankly, overdue.”
Rep. Shankland shared, “I am very honored to be named a Friend of Education by WEAC. As the daughter of public school teachers, I know firsthand how hard our educators work and how dedicated they are to the success of each student. I deeply appreciate the role that our educators and staff play in our community and state – public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. The best way to strengthen our democracy is by investing in our public schools and giving our educators and staff the resources and support they need to ensure student success and grow each student’s potential as engaged, informed community members.
“I am proud to receive this award after introducing the Collective Bargaining for Public Education Act this legislative session, as well as co-authoring legislation in support of public education and our education professionals. I’m glad to be a champion for public education and for labor rights in the Legislature, and I’m committed to continuing my work to ensure all our state’s workers are heard, valued, and supported in their professions, especially public education. Our teachers and education professionals are fundamental to the success of our families and communities, and we in the State Legislature owe it to them to have their backs in return.”
