Brittany Kinser wants to Overhaul Wisconsin’s Education System

Brittany Kinser is a candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction and is on a mission to overhaul Wisconsin’s education system. Kinser has 25 years of experience in education, including as a special education instructor. She joined Earl Ingram, host of The Earl Ingram Show, to discuss why bringing back phonics and restoring high academic standards will have a positive impact on student success. 

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Listen to the entire discussion here:

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“The education system moved away from teaching phonics after decades of decline in reading proficiency,” Kinser explained. “It went to the balanced literacy approach which has contributed to the current reading crisis with only three out of ten children statewide able to read well enough to pursue higher education or careers.” 

Kinser believes the solution lies in returning to scientifically backed methods for teaching reading, especially phonics, which she believes is critical for young learners. Her initiative, 95 Wisconsin, aims to ensure all children are equipped with the foundational skills to read proficiently.

“Phonics works. We know it works, and we have seen the results,” she said. “The lack of phonics instruction has contributed to the widening gap in reading achievement, particularly for Black children in Milwaukee, where only 5% of Black students are reading at grade level.”

Kinser is a political newcomer and told Ingram she is committed to bridging divides by working with both political parties. She’ll also partner with community stakeholders to address the education crisis. 

“Our children are relying on us,” she said. “There is the need for a collaborative effort to ensure every student has access to a quality education. This includes focusing on supporting teachers through better training and ensuring they have the resources to teach phonics effectively.”

Kinser also expressed her commitment to working with teachers’ unions, acknowledging its role in the education system, while calling for the needs of students to come first. Her platform includes addressing the broader socio-economic challenges facing children in Milwaukee, where systemic poverty and instability contribute to poor educational outcomes. 

“Great schools build great communities,” she said, while stressing the importance of collaboration between education leaders and local governments to support students and families.

As she continues her campaign, Kinser tells Ingram she will remain focused on her mission to restore high academic standards, ensure every child learns to read, and unite the state’s political leaders to tackle the education challenges facing Wisconsin.