Bonnie Dominguez is a mother of three from Duluth. Her daughter thrived in a specialized learning program until her 5th grade year, when she began to struggle academically and socially. Conversations with her daughter’s teachers did not lead to productive solutions and, as a result, Bonnie’s daughter lost significant ground.

When her daughter entered 6th grade, Bonnie, with the help of her daughter’s 6th grade teacher, discovered that her daughter’s specialized education program was not properly implemented during her 5th grade year, prompting the struggles she experienced. By taking an active interest, her 6th grade teacher helped Bonnie’s daughter get back on track.

When Bonnie learned that her daughter’s specialized education program wasn’t implemented in 5th grade, she initially felt helpless. But when she learned that other families experienced similar problems, and that there was a community of parents in search of a solution, she realized she couldn’t keep quiet – that she needed to be the voice for her child and others to make sure no child loses a year of their education. She believes all Minnesota children deserve a great teacher, no matter their socioeconomic status or background.