Tom Torlakson
Template:TOCnestleft Tom Torlakson is a "second-generation" public school teacher "who applies his experience as a science teacher, coach, and parent in the fight to transform education so that all California children get the world-class education they deserve."
Background
Born in San Francisco, Superintendent Torlakson served as a fireman in the United States Merchant Marine, earning the Vietnam Service Medal. He earned a B.A. in History, a Life Secondary Teaching Credential, and an M.A. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley.
Achievements
Superintendent Torlakson "helped expand workplace internship and career training programs as the state implements new, higher education standards in science, mathematics and English/language arts."
Superintendent Torlakson also worked as a California State Legislator "advocating for students and schools." Torlakson "authored the Quality Education Improvement Act in 2006, which dedicates nearly $3 billion to bring teachers, parents and communities together to improve low-performing schools."
Superintendent Torlakson also "played a key role negotiating and authoring the $9 billion Proposition 1A bond measure in 1998—which has led to public votes supporting over $35 billion to build new schools and improve existing school buildings."[1]