I’m a retired educator, having spent 35 years teaching in the Minnesota State College system.  So, I’m a bit of an education geek when it comes to evaluating political candidates.  Lorrie Janatopoulos has an amazing educational background which has prepared her for the many kinds of work she has done to date and bodes well for her time in the Minnesota Legislature.
She has a bachelor’s degree from St. Scholastica with a minor in management, a master’s degree in public affairs from the U of M Humphrey School of Public Affairs and has been awarded an executive certificate in public leadership for completion of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government’s Executive Education program. More impressive is that Lorrie was an adult learner; she went back to college while her son was in high school. 
In my 35 years of teaching, I witnessed what a college education can do for an individual’s perspective on the world, opening avenues for understanding and dialog with diverse populations.  I saw folks in my classes come alive with curiosity and wonder at how the social world works (I taught sociology).  And I saw students go on to lead many kinds of public careers in community service.  Lorrie has spent her entire employed life in public service.  I applaud that. 
If you value education, please join me in supporting Lorrie Janatopoulos for the Minnesota House of Representatives! She’ll be a strong advocate for public education and will work hard for opportunities for our Iron Range students, whether pre-K, K-12, technical or community college or beyond.  
Marlise Riffel
Virginia