Prior to serving in Congress, Jahana Hayes was a teacher in the Waterbury Public School System in Connecticut for 14 years. She won National Teacher of the Year in 2016 and was awarded by President Barack Obama. Congresswoman Hayes is in her 4th term where she serves on the Education and Workforce Committee. She has introduced, co-led and sponsored many impactful pieces of legislation to support public school students, teachers, schools and paraprofessionals.

“I plan to run for the Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee at the House of Representatives for the 120th Congress. As Chair, I would hold extensive hearings on school shootings and those voices would be included in witness lists and vital testimony required to address this problem.”

As a public school teacher for over 16 years who has been personally and profoundly impacted by gun violence—losing four students and witnessing the lasting trauma it brings into our schools, Lauren understands, firsthand, how gun violence harms children, families, and educators. She is committed to bringing these stories to Congress to fight for common-sense gun safety.

“Educators should be central voices in conversations about gun violence prevention because they are often the first to see the effects of trauma and instability in young people’s lives. My mother was a teacher, and growing up I watched how educators support students far beyond academics. Teachers and school staff see when students are carrying the weight of violence, grief, or instability long before those challenges appear in official systems. When educators are recognized as key public safety partners, we strengthen both our schools and our communities.”