Tierney Cahill

Tierney Cahill, an award-winning educator and mother of three, has taken significant strides in both her educational career and political involvement. Originally a sixth-grade teacher at Sarah Winnemucca Elementary School in Reno, Nevada, Cahill is now the principal at a Title I high poverty, minority-majority elementary school in Sparks, Nevada. Her journey into politics began while teaching her students about elections and government, leading her to run for the District 2 Congressional seat to demonstrate that the average American could indeed run for office.

Running as a Democrat, Cahill faced Republican incumbent Jim Gibbons after surpassing other Democratic candidates. Despite a stark financial disparity in campaign funds—hers being $7,000 compared to Gibbons' $320,000—Cahill secured 34% of the vote. Although she did not win, her campaign effectively taught her students the importance of civic engagement. Her electoral journey and its impact on her students are now being adapted into a feature film from her book, "Ms. Cahill for Congress: One Fearless Teacher, Her Sixth Grade Class and the Election that Changed their Lives Forever."

Cahill’s story is not only being turned into a film, but it was also captured in her memoir published by Random House in 2008. Additionally, she has been featured in the book "Teachers: The Enlightened, the Exceptional, the Extraordinary." Known for her energy, humor, and motivational approach, Cahill continues to inspire by sharing her experiences, aiming to empower students and encourage educators to embrace challenges. With her ongoing commitment to education and community involvement, she remains a significant voice in discussing the vital roles of education and active citizenship in society.