Editor’s note: Colorado Politics presents “Which way to better Colorado schools?” We’re offering seven perspectives on upgrading education in the state.

For 20 years, I taught high school English and journalism, and will always be proud I’m a teacher.

Being a state representative is an honor, and fulfills my need to serve Colorado, but I got to make a difference in students’ lives, launching them into the world beyond high school.

Thousands of educators wearing red chanted for fair pay and respect at the Capitol last year, and it hit me then that I should have been doing that chant years ago.

I knew I was underpaid. I knew many thought I was “just a teacher” in an easy job. I knew many recited the phrase, “if you can’t do, teach.”

And while I didn’t grab the opportunity to do something as a teacher, I will as a state representative and chair of the House Education Committee. I am lucky to be working with Rep. Bri Buentello, a special education teacher from Pueblo as my co-chair, and with a retired teacher, Sen. Nancy Todd, who is chairing the Senate Education Committee.

We will explore many avenues together in this next legislative session as we work on doing what is best for students.

One priority is a continued focus on educator shortage and retention. Though more money is probably the biggest factor, we can also work on other issues: improved working conditions; strengthening leadership roles; smaller class sizes, and giving educators the tools they need to be successful.

Attracting teachers into the profession needs to start earlier, so legislators are looking into internship programs for high school students, financial incentives for students entering education programs and scholarships for teachers committed to working in underserved areas.

We will continue to advocate for more state money for schools, which often depends on our Finance, Appropriations, and Joint Budget Committee recommendations. We need that money to raise teacher salaries and make sure students attend school five days a week instead of four.

I plan on working closely with the Polis administration to find money to fully fund kindergarten. The state promised that to educators and parents long ago by increasing funding a little every year. That stopped in 2008 with the financial crisis and never started again.

Colorado now pays for a little more than half the cost of a student to attend a full day of kindergarten. Some districts pay the other half. Some have parents pay, if they can. And a few still do not offer kindergarten at all. Early childhood education is essential, and full funding must be reinstated. We need to keep our promise.

Another education focus in the legislature this year will be addressing mental health in schools. Larger districts can more easily afford a staff of counselors and psychologists. Smaller districts may have to share services with their community; have part-time help on hand, or provide nothing at all. A zip code can determine services offered.

As the suicide rate grows in Colorado, the state must address this problem with all it can. Legislators have bills ready to go, both from the health and education committees. The need is urgent.

The legislature is focusing on higher education more this year. Students are graduating with higher and higher debt, primarily because the Gallagher Amendment has put more pressure on students and families to pay their way, and less on the state to help. I am running a bill to offer credit for vocational training, giving students an opportunity to enter a well-paying trade after high school rather than going into debt in college.

Other legislators are proposing bills for loan forgiveness for community service, scholarship opportunities, affordable student housing and modifying Gallagher.

Finally, we are hearing from many groups about making sure money we are already spending on education is being used as intended. They are closely examining what bills are holding educators accountable and what value we are seeing.

Once we know where our money is being used successfully, we can aim our legislation more accurately. I feel confident we are working as a team this year to address educational concerns head on. And do what is best for students.

Rep. Barbara McLachlan, a Durango Democrat and former high school teacher, represents District 59 in the Colorado House and chairs the House Education Committee.