Virginia Works Students First Pledge

Virginia Works Students First Pledge

Putting Virginia Students First

Are you a Virginia parent who believes our children’s education should come before politics?  So do we.

Virginia Works created the Virginia Students First Pledge to provide a clear way for public officials to show their support for the next generation of Virginians. Lawmakers and candidates who sign the pledge are making a firm commitment to champion policies that empower parents and support educators, ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Three Commitments of the Virginia Students First Pledge

Those who sign the pledge vow to uphold three main principles when they are voting and creating policy in Richmond:

  1. Empowering Parents 

    Signers believe that every child in Virginia deserves an education that is tailored to them. They commit to championing policies that empower parents and guardians to choose the educational path that best fits their child’s unique needs, strengths, and learning style. This includes expanding access to schools where students can thrive.

  2. Supporting Educators 

    Pledge signers believe in valuing our teachers. They will work to ensure that educators are equipped with the resources, professional development opportunities, and autonomy they need to excel in the classroom and inspire their students. This also includes opposing union agendas that prioritize political power over the best interests of teachers and students.

  3. Rejecting Funding from Teachers Unions 

    To ensure their advocacy remains focused solely on what is best for Virginia’s children, signers pledge not to accept campaign contributions from teachers unions or other special interests that place politics above the needs of students.

Thank You to the Leaders Who Have Signed the Virginia Students First Pledge

The following Virginia leaders and candidates have committed to putting students first.

Current Officeholders

  • Lt. Governor Winsome Sears 
  • Minority Leader, Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Scott 
  • State Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Suffolk 
  • State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield 
  • State Sen. Danny Diggs, R-James City County 
  • Delegate Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield 
  • Delegate Ian Lovejoy, R-Manassas 
  • Delegate Paul Milde, R-Stafford 
  • Delegate David Owen, R-Henrico 
  • Delegate Baxter Ennis, R-Stafford 
  • Delegate Will Morefield, R-Tazewell 
  • Delegate Amanda Batten, R-James City County 
  • Delegate Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg 
  • Delegate Mark Earley Jr., R-Chesterfield County

Former Officeholders

  • Former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Todd Gilbert 
  • Former State Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico 

2025 Candidates 

  • Former Delegate Tim Anderson, R-Virginia Beach 
  • Sean Steinway, R-Stafford 

Take Action for Virginia’s Students

Sitting Virginia lawmakers and candidates for public office are eligible to sign the Pledge, regardless of party affiliation.

  • To read the full text of the Pledge, click here.
  • To find out who your lawmaker is and encourage them to sign, click here.

Share this page with fellow Virginia parents and help us ensure every child is prepared for a bright future!