CANDIDATE ANNOUNCEMENT: Becky Lord Announces Campaign For School Committee

Hello Wilmington!

My name is Rebecca (Becky) Lord and I’m running for School Committee. I wanted to introduce myself and encourage you to come out and vote on Saturday, April 26.

A little about me: I grew up here in Wilmington, my son Ben is currently in 2nd grade at the Woburn Street School, and after 11 years as a public school teacher, I now work as a K-8 Math and Special Education Consultant.

When I saw there was an opening on School Committee, I felt that this was a way I could give back to my community, share my experience in the field, and be part of creating a better school system and educational environment for all.

After I graduated from WHS (back in 1996!), I studied international business then worked in human resources, finance, taught horseback riding, and became the administrator of the graduate education program at a nearby college.

While there I earned a master’s degree in education, with a focus on special education and middle school math. When I finished in 2011, the perfect position for me magically appeared: teaching math to students on IEPs in a small group math class at a local public middle school.

I began to learn about more effective methods for teaching math and when I taught them to my students, they started to learn and succeed in ways they never had before. I eventually offered training to other teachers, and then switched into a new role as an elementary math coach to share these methods with elementary teachers.

In 2022 I left my teaching job and I now provide training for school districts in the area, as well as globally through my online courses. I am currently creating a new math curriculum program based on the Science of Math to bring effective math instruction to all students.

My heart for education: I believe public education is one of the most beautiful things we do as a society. It’s us coming together as a community and working together to demonstrate that we value the life and experience of every child.

We commit to using our resources to provide a quality education for every child in our community, regardless of their background or their needs. We commit to creating a school environment where every student can develop to their fullest potential and be given the opportunity to thrive.

As someone who works with many districts in the area, I see the challenges schools are facing. I believe one of the biggest challenges education is facing is teacher shortage and burn-out, particularly in special education. As a former teacher myself, I know what it feels like to both love the job and get burned out by it.

The teaching profession has been under pressure for a long time, with tightening budgets and increasing costs. Teaching salaries have not kept pace with increased cost of living, and teachers are feeling the crunch. Meanwhile, the demands of teaching have also increased.

As an educational consultant, I believe the greatest determinant in a child’s education is their teacher, and teachers need our community’s support. One of my priorities will be to look at how we can attract, train, support, and retain high quality teachers.

I also support projects that provide a better educational environment and experience, like building new elementary schools.

I think it’s time, as a society, that we work together to create a public school community where everyone can thrive – students, teachers and staff alike.

Thank you, and I deeply appreciate your support!

Becky Lord
Contact me: becky@lordmath.com

If you’re interested in learning more about my educational work, please visit my page.