I’ve taught Spanish in Baltimore County Public Schools for six years. This is only the second year that I’ve worked in a fully staffed department, and still, we have classrooms with too many students to get the individualized attention they deserve.

My school, Overlea High, is designed for 1000 students but serves 1,500. Eleven trailers are used for classrooms, and special educators without offices sometimes have to use the faculty lounge to assess students. As a nation, we must do better. I believe deeply in our public schools.

That’s why, for me, this year’s U.S. Senate race in Maryland is personal. Why? Because the Republican candidate, former Governor Larry Hogan, made it personal.

In 2016, Hogan referred to his critics in our teachers’ union, the Maryland State Education Association, as “thugs.”

Name-calling anyone is unacceptable and beneath the office of any elected official. But to single us out, the very people responsible for educating our next generation, is beyond counterproductive.

I am not a thug. My colleagues at Overlea High School are not thugs. We are people who have dedicated our lives to educating generations of Marylanders. We believe there should be dignity in the work we do for the children of this incredible state. Students and educators deserve the physical space, resources and respect to succeed.

Hogan’s record is unmistakable — he is no friend of educators or the students across our state who need them.

My vote in this election is not just about our future as teachers — it’s a vote for our children’s future, one in which public education is prioritized.

As county executive, Angela Alsobrooks has increased education funding in Prince George’s County by 42% — a historic investment in education. And, she delivered on her promise to raise teacher salaries and help us access the supplies we need. Thanks to her, educators received millions of dollars in raises and over $30,000 worth of supplies.

And thanks to Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County has built 10 new schools — and is breaking ground on eight more.

Alsobrooks is a leader we can trust to fight to improve our education system, and she believes that includes fighting for the teachers and workers in our schools. She believes that educators are hardworking Marylanders who deserve essential benefits. The contrast between the candidates’ records supporting hardworking Marylanders is evident. I know Alsobrooks will fight for us. Hogan treats us like the enemy.

Back-to-school season is an important opportunity to reflect on the contributions of our educators and the people who have supported them along the way. Maryland’s educators deserve a leader who will stand with them. I know we can count on Angela Alsobrooks to stand with us.

Christine Phillips (tine9625@yahoo.com) is a Spanish teacher at Overlea High School in Baltimore County.