Brittany Kinser - A Look At Her Public Service Journey
When we think about who helps guide the future of public education, names like Brittany Kinser often come up, especially in Wisconsin. She's someone who has been very much involved in the race for state superintendent, getting support from various groups, including conservatives. It's a pretty big contest, as she's going up against the person currently holding the job, Jill Underly, who is a Democrat.
This particular election for Wisconsin superintendent of public instruction has certainly drawn a lot of attention, and Brittany Kinser has been a significant presence in it. She has, you know, put her name forward to serve the community in this very important capacity. The role of state superintendent is, after all, about shaping how young people learn across an entire state, which is quite a task.
So, as the election gets closer, many people are looking at what each candidate brings to the table. Brittany Kinser's background, her ideas for schools, and the kind of support she has gathered are all parts of her story that people are keen to understand. It's almost like seeing how someone's life experiences lead them to want to make a difference on such a broad scale.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Know Brittany Kinser - Her Life's Work
- What Motivates Brittany Kinser in Education Leadership?
- Brittany Kinser's Path to Public Office - The Election Story
- How Does Brittany Kinser Approach Budget Decisions?
- The Support Behind Brittany Kinser - Who's Backing Her?
- Was Brittany Kinser Always Open to Public Forums?
- What Kind of Experience Does Brittany Kinser Bring to the Table?
- Brittany Kinser's Educational Philosophy - What Does She Stand For?
Getting to Know Brittany Kinser - Her Life's Work
Brittany Kinser has spent her entire professional life, really, focused on teaching and guiding in education. It's pretty clear that working with young people and helping schools grow has been her calling. She's been a teacher, for one thing, and has also taken on roles as an education leader. Currently, she serves as the chief executive officer for Kinser Consulting, LLC, which is a business she runs that deals with educational matters. That's a pretty big job, actually, leading a company that helps schools and learning programs.
Her journey in education started, well, quite some time ago. After getting her bachelor's degree in special education from Eastern Illinois University back in 1999, she spent a couple of years teaching. One of her early teaching spots was at Senn High School in Chicago. That school is known for having a student body that comes from many different cultures and speaks many different languages, making it a truly diverse place to learn and teach. It's almost like a small world within a school building, where you meet people from all over. After her time there, she also spent a year teaching in Japan, which sounds like quite an adventure, learning about education in a completely different setting.
Beyond her initial teaching roles, Brittany Kinser also helped start the IIT Math and Science Academy in Chicago. That's a pretty significant undertaking, to help launch a whole new school. It suggests she has a real knack for getting things off the ground and building educational programs from the start. Later on, she led charter schools in the Milwaukee area, which are schools that operate with a bit more freedom from some traditional rules, often trying out new ways of teaching. She also worked at schools in California, showing a broad range of experiences across different educational settings and states. Her background is, you know, quite varied in terms of where she has applied her skills.
Personal Details - Brittany Kinser
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Role | CEO of Kinser Consulting, LLC |
| Education | Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University (1999) |
| Teaching Experience | Chicago (Senn High School), Japan, Milwaukee (charter schools), California |
| Other Roles | Helped launch IIT Math and Science Academy (Chicago), Principal |
| Residence | Wauwatosa |
What Motivates Brittany Kinser in Education Leadership?
You might wonder, what made Brittany Kinser decide to get into the race for state schools superintendent? Well, she has said that some recent changes to how Wisconsin figures out reading and math scores really got her thinking. It was, she says, a big reason why she felt she needed to step up and try for this public service role. It's pretty common for people to get involved when they see something happening that they feel strongly about, and for her, it was those score calculation changes. She felt, basically, that these changes were important enough to warrant her getting involved in the public discussion.
When you look at what Brittany Kinser stands for in education, a few things really come to light. She supports school choice, for instance, which is the idea that families should have options about where their children go to school, whether it's a public school, a charter school, or something else. She also believes in making school standards higher, which means pushing for more challenging learning goals for students. And, naturally, she supports funding public schools. These are all pretty central topics in education debates, and she's made her positions on them clear. It's almost like she sees a path to improving education by focusing on these key areas, and that's what she aims to do.
Brittany Kinser's Path to Public Office - The Election Story
Brittany Kinser has been involved in elections for the Wisconsin superintendent of public instruction before. She ran for the position and, as a matter of fact, lost in the general election on April 1, 2025. That was, you know, a previous attempt to take on this important role. It shows a certain level of persistence, really, to put your name out there again after a previous campaign. This time around, she's challenging the current superintendent, Jill Underly, who is a Democrat. It's a direct contest between the two of them, in a way.
The race for Wisconsin state superintendent in 2025 has a few people vying for the job. There's a primary election in February 2025 where three candidates are trying to get through to the next stage. Brittany Kinser is one of these three candidates. The others include the person who holds the job right now, Jill Underly, and also Jeff Wright, who is the superintendent of the Sauk Prairie School District. So, it's a pretty competitive field, with each person bringing their own background and ideas to the table. It's almost like a test of who can best connect with voters and show they are ready for the role.
Jill Underly and Jeff Wright are also facing off in that 2025 primary, making it a busy time for voters trying to decide. Brittany Kinser is, you know, right there among them, trying to make her case. She's been quite active in the campaign, getting her message out and meeting with different groups of people. The whole process of an election, especially for a statewide position, can be pretty involved, with lots of discussions and forums where candidates share their views. It's a real chance for the public to get to know the people who want to lead their schools.
How Does Brittany Kinser Approach Budget Decisions?
When it comes to money for schools, that's always a big topic. The current state superintendent, Dr. Jill Underly, has, as a matter of fact, asked for an additional $3 billion in funding for the department that oversees public instruction. That's a really large sum of money, and it naturally sparks a lot of conversation. People want to know what the candidates think about such a significant budget request. It's pretty much a central point in any discussion about the future of education, as money plays a big part in what schools can do.
So, what's Brittany Kinser's take on that budget recommendation? She has said that she thinks it's really important that the budget is something that is carefully considered. While the provided text doesn't go into every single detail of her budget philosophy, her general stance seems to be one of thoughtful consideration for how funds are allocated. It's not just about getting more money, but about making sure the money that is available is used well. She supports funding public schools, as mentioned earlier, which suggests she sees the value in putting resources into the system. It's almost like she wants to ensure that every dollar makes a difference for students.
Her approach to school funding, you know, seems to tie back to her broader goals of raising school standards and supporting school choice. These things often require financial backing, and a superintendent has a big say in how that money is requested and spent. It's a very practical part of the job, and how someone handles budget discussions can tell you a lot about their priorities. She's looking at the big picture, basically, when it comes to how schools are supported financially.
The Support Behind Brittany Kinser - Who's Backing Her?
Brittany Kinser has found support from various groups, and it's pretty clear that conservatives are backing her in the race for state superintendent. This kind of support can be a real boost for a campaign, helping with resources and getting the word out. It's a sign that her ideas and her approach to education resonate with a particular segment of the voting public. She has, in some respects, positioned herself as a moderate, even though she has this backing from conservatives, which is kind of interesting.
When you look at the money side of things, Brittany Kinser has done quite well. According to the most recent campaign finance reports, she has, actually, raised significantly more money than both of her Democratic opponents. That's a pretty big deal in an election, as campaign funds help with everything from reaching voters to organizing events. It suggests that her message is getting through to people who are willing to contribute financially to her campaign. This ability to gather funds is, you know, a key part of running a successful campaign for any public office.
Beyond financial support, Brittany Kinser has also received a lot of personal encouragement. Her campaign, "Team Kinser," asked people who used to be her students and colleagues to share why they think she's the right choice for DPI superintendent. They put together a video with these kind words, and when they shared it with Brittany, she was apparently very humbled and grateful to hear from those who know her best. It's a pretty powerful thing, really, to have people who have seen your work firsthand speak so highly of you. It's almost like a testament to her character and her impact on people's lives.
Was Brittany Kinser Always Open to Public Forums?
Public forums are a big part of any election, giving candidates a chance to speak directly to voters and debate their opponents. The current state superintendent, Jill Underly, and education consultant Brittany Kinser, who are competing in the April 1 election, were both set to participate in a virtual forum one Wednesday evening. Interestingly, Kinser agreed to join the forum after initially saying she wouldn't. This change of mind is, you know, something that happens sometimes in campaigns, as candidates adjust their schedules and strategies. It's pretty common for things to shift a little bit.
Brittany Kinser also had another public discussion that's worth noting. On March 20, she met with Alan Borsuk, who is a senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette University. This public discussion was titled "Get to Know Brittany Kinser" and took place at Marquette's Eckstein Hall. It sounds like a great opportunity for people to hear more about her directly and ask questions. These kinds of events are, basically, how candidates connect with the community and share their vision. It's a chance to really dig into what makes a candidate tick, in a way.
These forums and discussions are, you know, pretty important for voters trying to make a decision. They offer a chance to compare candidates side-by-side and hear their thoughts on important issues. For Brittany Kinser, participating in these events, even after some initial hesitation, shows a willingness to engage with the public and present her case. It's almost like she's saying, "Here I am, listen to what I have to say."
What Kind of Experience Does Brittany Kinser Bring to the Table?
When considering someone for a big job like state superintendent, their past experience is, naturally, a key factor. Brittany Kinser brings quite a bit of experience to the table, with about 25 years in the education field. She has been a special education teacher, which means she has worked with students who have unique learning needs, and that's a very specialized area. She has also served as a principal, which involves leading an entire school, managing staff, and overseeing student learning. That's a pretty demanding role, actually, requiring a lot of different skills.
Beyond her direct school roles, Brittany Kinser has also worked as an education consultant. This means she has advised schools and organizations on educational matters, sharing her knowledge to help them improve. And, as mentioned before, she is the chief executive officer of a Milwaukee education company. These various roles, you know, show a broad understanding of the education system, from working directly with students in the classroom to leading schools and advising at a higher level. It's almost like she has seen education from many different angles, which could be very helpful in a statewide leadership position.
Her time teaching in Chicago, especially at Senn High School, which was very diverse, gave her a unique perspective on the needs of a wide range of students. Her experience helping to launch the IIT Math and Science Academy also shows her ability to build and innovate within education. All these experiences, basically, add up to a significant background that could inform her decisions as a superintendent. It's pretty clear she has spent her professional life dedicated to this field.
Brittany Kinser's Educational Philosophy - What Does She Stand For?
Brittany Kinser's approach to education is something people want to understand, especially since she's running for such an important role. She calls herself a moderate, which suggests she tries to find common ground and avoid extreme positions, even though she has backing from conservatives. This self-description is, you know, a way for her to define her political leanings and how she might approach the job. It's pretty common for candidates to try and appeal to a broad range of voters.
Her core beliefs about education include supporting school choice, which means giving families options for where their children attend school. She also believes in raising school standards, pushing for higher academic achievements for students. And, naturally, she supports funding public schools, making sure they have the resources they need to operate well. These are all pretty central to her platform, and they reflect her long career in education. It's almost like her experiences have shaped these key principles that she now champions.
When you put all of her stated positions together, you get a picture of her educational philosophy. She seems to be focused on improving outcomes for students by providing options, setting high expectations, and ensuring schools have financial support. Her background as a teacher and leader gives her a practical view of how these ideas might play out in classrooms and school districts. She's, basically, trying to bring her years of experience to bear on the big questions facing Wisconsin's schools. It's a very direct approach, really, to addressing educational challenges.
This article has explored Brittany Kinser's background, including her long career as a teacher and education leader in various settings like Chicago, Japan, Milwaukee, and California. It has also touched on her current role as CEO of Kinser Consulting, LLC. We looked at her involvement in the race for Wisconsin state superintendent, noting her past election attempt and her current challenge against Jill Underly and Jeff Wright in the 2025 primary. The piece covered her stance on key issues such as school choice, raising standards, and public school funding, along with her perspective on the proposed $3 billion budget increase. Additionally, the article discussed the support she has received, including conservative backing and campaign finance success, and her engagement in public forums. Finally, it summarized the extensive experience she brings to the table, from special education teaching to leading schools and consulting.
Brittany Kinser — WICSA
Brittany Kinser - PBS Wisconsin
Brittany Kinser - PBS Wisconsin
