"Public education is the foundation upon which America is built. If the United States is to continue to lead the world in innovation, then we must commit ourselves to providing every child with a quality education and an opportunity at success."

- Senator Roland W. Burris

Throughout his career in public service, Senator Burris has been a strong supporter of education as a tool to shape lives. He feels strongly that all students deserve the opportunity to learn and to succeed, and will fight to make sure everyone in America can get access to a quality education.

Smaller Classrooms, Better Teachers

Senator Burris is fighting to reform our education system so that it works for each and every American student. He believes that we need to provide all public schools with quality teachers, small class sizes, and the very best resources and facilities.

Senator Burris knows that in order to truly make a difference in public education, we must support our teachers.  No specific piece of legislation will shape the minds of America's youth, but educators will.  To set arbitrary testing standards without proper support is to finish only half the job.  That is why Senator Burris is devoted to making sure teachers, specialists, and other educators receive salaries that reflect the importance and difficulty of their jobs. 

When we combine great teaching with first-class resources, American students will be given the optimal learning environment that they deserve. Senator Burris is working with educators in Illinois and his colleagues in Washington to truly make sure no child is left behind.

College For All Who Want to Go

Senator Burris believes that higher education should be readily accessible to everyone. But too often, students face skyrocketing tuition and fees without the necessary support to pay for higher education. 

These students simply want an opportunity to exercise their talents and energy, and we must provide the resources necessary for them to realize their ambitions. Post-secondary education is crucial for success in the global economy of the 21st century. No American should be denied an opportunity at success due to financial distress or lack of support.

Senator Burris is working to make college more affordable, increase student loans, and give secondary schools the resources they need to provide adequate college counseling. Senator Burris believes we should increase funding for student loan and grant programs like the TRiO Loans, Illinois’ Monetary Award Program (MAP), or Federal Stafford Loans.  He also supports loan forgiveness in tough times.

Earning a college degree requires a lot of hard work, but Senator Burris believes that by giving American students a chance and demanding success, we can foster future generations of highly trained leaders, ready to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.