ENDORSEMENTS
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EQUITY AND ACCESS
STUDENT AND FACULTY WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
EQUITY AND ACCESS
I am committed to making higher education accessible to all students, irrespective of their background or financial status. I am dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the university system, ensuring fair representation and opportunities for all.
Increasing Opportunities: I will work tirelessly to expand access to higher education for all Nevadans. This includes advocating for affordable tuition, scholarships, and financial aid programs.
Dual Enrollment Programs: I believe in bridging the gap between high school and college. I’ll champion further promotion of dual enrollment and career and technical education (CTE) programs, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.
Rural Institutions: Our rural communities deserve robust educational opportunities. I’ll advocate to allocate resources to enhance programs and facilities in rural Nevada’s higher education institutions.
STUDENT AND FACULTY WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH
I advocate for the continued development of student support services, mental health resources for both students and faculty, and comprehensive, academic advising to foster student achievement throughout their educational journey.
Holistic Support: Mental health is crucial for student success. I’m committed to collaborating with institutions to provide comprehensive mental health services, including counseling, workshops, and crisis intervention.
Reducing Stigma: We must create an environment where seeking help is normalized. I’ll advocate for awareness campaigns and destigmatization efforts.
Our students are the heart of our educational system. Let’s ensure they thrive academically, emotionally, and personally. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Nevada!
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
I support fostering communication and collaboration across the various tiers of public education in our state, thereby reinforcing the PK-16 educational continuum for all Nevadans.
Ms. Juliana Urtubey
2021 Nevada Teacher of the Year
2021 National Teacher of the Year
"Dr. Tonia Holmes-Sutton has transformed my teaching career through her thoughtful and genuine mentorship. What is true for me is true for so many educators, if Dr. Holmes-Sutton is your mentor, the education world will open its doors and welcome you in. Her mentorship is powerful because it is founded on the belief that all children deserve accomplished teachers and that all teachers deserve the support to become accomplished. Dr. Holmes-Sutton’s career and experiences have greatly contributed to the Nevada community and beyond."
Mrs. Laura Jeanne Penrod
2024 Nevada Teacher of the Year
"Dr. Holmes-Sutton is a champion for education inside and outside the classroom for all who are part of the educational landscape. She embodies the true spirit of leadership by leading alongside others and inspiring them to be the greatest versions of themselves in all that they do. Dr. Tonia Holmes-Sutton has catalyzed my most significant growth as a teacher and teacher leader. Her support has uplifted, supported, and mentored me to achieve the 2024 Nevada State Teacher of the Year title. She has a unique ability to lead with grace and grit while encouraging others to believe in their greatest potential. There is no more extraordinary gift to a community than those who lead alongside and with us, and Dr. Tonia Holmes-Sutton embodies everything a leader can and should be. "
Ms. Peggy Brookins
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
"As an education graduate of UNLV, earning her teaching certification, master’s degree in special education, and doctorate degree in educational leadership from UNLV, Dr. Holmes-Sutton has tirelessly served within the education community of Nevada. She is a National Board Certified Teacher, achieving the highest education certification in the country, as a commitment to her leadership service to her students, families, and colleagues. Leading as a twenty-year educator in Clark County, she is a remarkable professional whose record of contributions to education, particularly educational equity for both educators and students, has been continuously impressive, yielding an enviable positive and productive portfolio of accomplishments."
PUBLICATIONS
ABOUT TONIA
Holmes-Sutton leads, serves, and supports educators to excellence throughout Nevada, including Clark County School District (CCSD), the fifth largest school district in the country, as well as across the nation. Dr. Tonia Holmes-Sutton serves as an education leader and advocate supporting teachers in leadership development in policy and advocacy of critical education issues including diversity, equity, inclusion, restorative justice, social emotional learning, and educator preparation, recruitment, and retention. A highly accomplished, passionately driven, education leader and National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), Dr. Holmes-Sutton facilitates educator professional development through leadership, mentoring, coaching, and teaching.
She has extensive experience serving diverse communities of students, families, and educators within the profession through traditional public and public charter schools for over 20 years; designing positive, supportive, and challenging environments and driving student achievement as part of collaborative statewide and national networks of educators and leaders.