Shannon O’Brien is pictured with one elbow on the table and chin cradled in hand, wearing thick circular glasses frames with a subtle pattern. She listens intently, maintaining steady eye contact. A state senator, now vying to lead Montana’s education agency, O’Brien sports a green name tag shaped like a shamrock as a nod to her Irish heritage, pinned to her sweater. Campaign business cards promoting her personal cellphone number are tucked in her purse.
“If I want to get elected to office, I have to be OK with people reaching me,” she said.
On a Thursday afternoon in Missoula, she has invited a small group of public school teachers to a local coffee shop for a discussion over morning glory muffins and pesto puff pastries. She poses two questions to them: “What would you want me to know?” and “If you had a magic wand, how would you change public education?”
People are also reading…
These moments reveal what O’Brien believes distinguishes her in the race for leading the Office of Public Instruction – she is a “happy warrior” championing public education.
With her background as a state senator, education policy advisor under Gov. Steve Bullock, and various administrative roles, including Dean of Missoula College, O’Brien feels equipped to bridge the widening gap between legislators and educators.
“The superintendent’s primary role is to advocate for public education and support teachers and school personnel in helping every child reach their potential,” O’Brien, a Democrat from Missoula, explained. “I will help legislators understand what’s really happening in the classroom, which is why I’m traveling around the state to hear directly from teachers.”
O’Brien is running uncontested in the Democratic primary for OPI superintendent, with potential Republican opponents in the general election. This race is unique as there is no incumbent, with Elsie Arntzen, the current officeholder, terming out at the year’s end to run for the second congressional district seat in eastern Montana.
Not enough teachers at the table
O’Brien started her career as an elementary teacher in Washington before transitioning to education policy and administration. Her early classroom experiences form the foundation of her public education beliefs.
O’Brien vividly recalls a memory from her first year as a teacher, where her classroom lacked basic amenities like a flat surface to grade papers and display books. Despite the challenges, she remained dedicated, taking on extra responsibilities beyond teaching.
Reflecting on those early days, O’Brien realized that it was the state Legislature, not the school district or board, responsible for the conditions she faced.
“If they knew what it was really like, there would be more support,” O’Brien emphasized.
Although she transitioned from the classroom to the Capitol, O’Brien maintains her identity as an educator. She aligns herself with teachers, using inclusive language and drawing on her teaching background in her legislative work. During the 2023 session, O’Brien sponsored education-related bills and served on the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee.
At the core of her OPI superintendent campaign is advocating for teachers, based on her belief that decision-makers need a firsthand understanding of teachers’ challenges to create effective policies.
“The reason I entered this profession is the lack of teachers in decision-making roles,” O’Brien emphasized.
‘Fire in my belly’
As she vies for the position, O’Brien envisions rebuilding the agency and empowering those who advocate for public education despite the obstacles. She emphasizes the need to rebuild a culture of trust and identify barriers to progress.
Her endorsements from state lawmakers, former OPI superintendents, and others demonstrate her commitment to fostering collaboration and support from day one.
During the 2023 legislative session, O’Brien was involved in introducing numerous education-related bills, reflecting the heightened focus on education policy in Montana.
Challenges such as teacher shortages, school budget constraints, and mental health issues among students underscore the urgency for meaningful change in education. O’Brien aims to leverage her position to advocate for increased funding, address systemic barriers, and elevate standards for teacher licensure.
O’Brien seeks to protect public education from privatization initiatives and promote teacher recruitment and kindergarten readiness. She envisions a role where advocacy and collaboration are central to addressing the pressing issues facing Montana’s education system.
Montanans will cast their votes in the upcoming primary elections, with O’Brien uncontested in the Democratic primary.
