While most people in Alabama probably know Tommy Tuberville for the years he spent at Auburn University as the head football coach, he is working to expand his playing field with hopes of being elected to the U.S. Senate.

Tuberville visited Russellville Middle School Jan. 6 to talk with educators about his bid for Senate and discuss their questions and concerns before going to city hall to meet with Mayor David Grissom.

“I am just a former teacher who has been in the classroom just like all of you,” Tuberville said. “I have a real value for education and want to see this country thrive, but I know we cannot do that if we don’t value education.”

Tuberville spoke about his decision to run for Senate and said he feels like he will be a good fit for Senate because of his years traveling the country meeting so many people in different situations.

“I am not a politician who wants to go to Washington to make a career out of this,” Tuberville said. “I don’t need this job or want to stay in Washington forever. I just want to go up there and learn and make a difference.”

Tuberville said he feels the political system is ruined by people who try to make a career out of politics. He said if he is elected, all of his salary will be donated to veterans in the state of Alabama.

Tuberville spent time with teachers from Russellville City Schools discussing problems in education and what can be done to help.

Teachers said the biggest need in the Russellville City Schools system is more resources for educating RCS’ English Language Learners.

“Our teachers work harder because they have to – because just don’t have the funding,” said RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes. Grimes said for each student, schools receive $6,500 but only receive an additional $200 on top of that to educate English Learners. “Our teachers do everything they can, but it is a challenge with that type of funding.”

Tuberville is running against former businessman and television evangelist Stanley Adair, U.S. House Rep. Bradley Byrne, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, Alabama State Rep. Arnold Mooney, former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, community activist Ruth Page Nelson and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.