Police Back Math Teacher of the Year Kevin Beiser

By Kevin Beiser

Kevin Beiser earned the endorsement of the San Diego Schools Police (SDSPOA)and the Peace Officers Association of California(PORAC). In addition, while Kevin Beiser enjoys the support of both Republicans and Democrats, the Democratic Party Voted to support the Math Teacher of the Year to improve education and help our children.

District B Candidate's "Commitment to Public Safety" Makes San Diego's

Math Teacher of the Year the "Best Choice" to Protect Children

SAN DIEGO + School Board candidate Kevin Beiser today announced the San Diego Schools Police Officer Association (SDPOA) and the Peace Officers Reasearch Association of California (PORAC) has endorsed his campaign for the San Diego Unified School Board, District B.

In a letter to Beiser's campaign, Joseph Knuteson, President of the SDSPOA, said it was Beiser's commitment to public safety that earned him the group's endorsement. Knuteson wrote "your vision for the safety of San Diego Unified School District makes you the best choice."

"Safe schools are essential if we're going to provide a positive learning environment for our children," Beiser said. "I'm both proud and humbled to receive the endorsement of men and women who have sworn an oath to protect the lives of our children. There is nothing more basic than safety and learning, and I am honored to be the candidate of choice for the SDSPOA."

The SDSPOA is comprised of police officers, police dispatchers and Community Services Officers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the children of the San Diego Unified School District, the second largest district and school police force in California.

A teacher at Granger Junior High School in National City, Beiser was named 2008 San Diego Math Teacher of the Year by the Greater San Diego Math Council. He was also recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for commitment and support to the program for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). Beiser spent 12 years in business management balancing budgets, making payroll, and making tough choices before pursuing his master's degree in education and becoming an educator of and advocate for children.

Beiser's commitment to excellence in the classroom and his advocacy for smaller class sizes and to retain art, music and career technical education programs in our schools has earned him the endorsements of U.S. Representative Bob Filner, and a number of school and community leaders throughout San Diego.

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San Diego Math Teacher of the Year

Announces Candidacy For

San Diego Unified School Board

Award-winning teacher is committed to help

kids succeed by putting them first

SAN DIEGO -- Kevin Beiser, award-winning classroom teacher and committed community activist, has formally declared his candidacy for San Diego Unified School Board, District B.

As a former San Diego Unified School Board Member, Congressman Bob Filner knows Kevin Beiser is the right choice and will fight for smaller class sizes, prevent teacher layoffs, build parent partnerships, the arts and performing arts and work to strengthen our math, science and English curriculum. Beiser will work hard to make all of our San Diego schools better. "We have so many great public, charter and magnet schools that need our support and help so that our children can learn and succeed," Beiser said.

"I am passionate about kids," Beiser said. "I'm passionate about the use of education to help secure their future. I'm passionate about giving kids the tools to have a better life and to achieve their dreams. I'm committed to working for that `better tomorrow' which is our responsibility as teachers, administrators and school board members to provide."

A teacher at Granger Junior High School in National City, Beiser was named 2008-09

"San Diego Math Teacher of the Year" by the Greater San Diego Math Council. He was also recognized with the "Distinguished Service Award" for commitment and support to the program for Gifted and Talented Education(GATE). But perhaps his most cherished award came from the Granger students themselves when they named "Mr. Beiser" the Most Inspirational and the Most Caring teacher.

That his students found him inspiring and empathetic isn't a surprise. He understands them. "Almost ninety-percent of the kids in my classroom participate in free or reduced lunch programs," Beiser said.

"These are kids living in poverty. I know what that's like. My parents had to provide for 5 kids without so much as a high school diploma between them. I know what it's like to come and have the lights shut off because your family couldn't pay the bill. I know what it's like to have to go to the neighbor's house to borrow water out of their hose because yours is shut off. Education is the way out of all that. It's the hammer we use to break the cycle of poverty."

For Beiser, these are more than just words. He was the first in his family to graduate high school and attend college, ultimately earning a degree from Willamette University in Oregon. He became a successful retail manager and community activist, but his dream had always been to help children. In pursuit of that, he earned his Master's Degree in Education. He then received his teaching credentials in both math and social science. As a teacher, Beiser understands the challenges facing students and teachers and can play a positive role in helping our schools make better decisions to help improve student learning.

"I believe that, in order to understand the needs of the kids in today's classroom, you have to experience the kids in today's classroom," Beiser said. "It's not just the kids who have changed. It's the schools, too. Curriculums have changed. New federal regulations require a different approach. Our school board needs that perspective. We need someone with `front-line' experience."

While Beiser certainly knows his way around a classroom, he acknowledged administrative skill is also critically important, which is precisely why he is uniquely qualified for the job.

Beiser served as a Mathematics Department Chair, a Link Crew Adviser, a Professional Learning Community Team Leader, and has served on key committees on Faculty Advisory and the district committee on curriculum, instruction and assessment. Beiser has experience successfully working with teachers, parents and administrators on a broad range of issues.

Beiser's campaign has already begun fundraising and has picked up key endorsements from fellow teachers and parents alike, as well as from long-time community activists who understand the need and value of having a diverse and inclusive perspective on the San Diego Unified School Board.

Beiser and his partner, Dan Mock, own a home in the Serra Mesa neighborhood of San Diego with their three dachshunds; Nessie, Lucy and Winston.

"I believe a person's experiences inform who they become," Beiser said. "My experiences growing up poor and fighting for my education, my experiences in the private sector, building and cultivating relationships, and my real-classroom experience all combine to give me a unique perspective on what our kids need to be successful in our public schools."

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