Issues
EDUCATION
Excellence in American Education
Nathan Bech believes that our children are our nation’s greatest natural resource. Preparing our nation’s future leaders, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs is as vital a national security interest today as it was in the 1950’s when Sputnik orbited the globe.
Innovative Programs
Nathan believes that we should support communities in adopting innovative programs that target the best and brightest students regardless of their socioeconomic background. Programs should be parent and student centered and should focus on results. Nathan would support a program which would double Federal Pell grants for students who complete high school in three years rather than four.
Home, Parochial and Private Schools
We must respect parents who chose to invest in their children’s own education with time and money. Nathan believes not only must we protect their right to educate in nonpublic settings, but we should support them in doing so. Nathan would support tax credits up to the per pupil federal expenditure for parents who choose alternatives to public educational institutions.
Physical Education
Childhood obesity is a healthcare crisis. For the first time in our nation’s history the next generation has a shorter life expectancy than the current one. Nathan believes that prevention and physical education are key components in turning around that trend and lowering the costs of healthcare. He would support programs that would allow Military Master Fitness Trainers to take tours of duty in our public schools as part of their military service.
Unfunded Mandates
The federal government provides only a small percent of education funding. Nathan opposes unfunded mandates, but believes schools must be able to track student achievement in a meaningful way that will allow parents and communities to make informed choices.
Investing in Educators
Nathan knows that great teachers help inspire and challenge their students. He supports one hundred percent federal student loan forgiveness for teachers who agree to teach for five years in both rural and urban public schools in communities with high volumes of poverty. Nathan also supports expanding the Troops-to Teachers program to train members of the military to enter school administration.