Anthony Pennock

Anthony Pennock graduated from Pennfield High School. Pennock earned multiple associate degrees from Kellogg Community College in 2011, a bachelor's degree in education from Robert B. Miller College in 2015, a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University in 2016, and an EdD in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2021. Pennock's career experience includes working as a special education teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Anthony grew up the youngest of five in Pennfield, north of Battle Creek. His parents raised him with a firm creed: nothing is handed to you, but with grit and hard work, you can build a life for yourself. Anthony lived this as a young man, working the "boots-on-the-ground" jobs that keep our towns running—from cashiering and bartending to balancing books as a hotel night auditor. He knows what it’s like to work a long shift and still feel the squeeze of a paycheck that doesn't go far enough.

Service runs in Anthony’s blood. He was raised on the legacy of his great-grandfather, PFC Nyal E. Pennock, who was drafted into WWII and gave his life for our freedom. While Anthony was unable to serve in the military himself, he remained determined to honor that family sacrifice. He chose a different field of service to his country: the classroom.

As a teacher, Anthony focused on helping kids who learn differently find their voice and become productive members of society. In 2019, he stepped up to advocate for fellow educators, building bridges between teachers and support staff. He is a partner from the field who believes in protecting our rights and ensuring our kids have a future worth staying home for.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Dignity of Work:

Anthony Pennock’s platform is built on a simple creed: if you work a full day, you should be able to support a family and retire with dignity. From his roots in Pennfield to his career as an educator, Anthony knows that the "dignity of work" means rewarding grit over wealth. He advocates for fair wages tied to inflation, mandated paid family leave, and protecting the pensions workers earned. By cutting red tape and ensuring fiscal accountability, Anthony is a partner from the field working to make Michigan a place where the next generation has a future worth staying home for.Focus on Youth and History:

Anthony Pennock’s education plan is built on a firm belief: a child’s zip code should never determine their future. As a teacher, he knows that "fair funding" means moving away from a reliance on local property values to ensure rural, urban, and tribal communities get their fair share. Anthony advocates for a curriculum that honors our state’s full history, including the vibrant legacy of our tribal nations. By building bridges between educators and support staff and cutting through red tape, he is working to ensure every student—regardless of where they live—has a path to success.Stewardship and Accountability

Anthony believes that a "government for the people" must be accountable to the people, not just special interests or property values. He is committed to protecting our natural resources—our land, air, and water—while ensuring state government operates with total transparency. For Anthony, stewardship means honoring the history of our tribal nations, listening to the needs of both urban and rural neighbors, and ensuring every tax dollar is an investment in our collective future. He is ready to cut through the red tape to protect our rights and keep our communities strong.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Housing, Accountability, Rural and Tribal Connections, Protecting our Air, Land, and Water, Protecting Everyone’s Rights, and ensuring law enforcement has a “back to home” foundation for community-focused policing and reforms.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Teamsters Local 406, Politician’s Creed “Oath of Office,” Former Representative Jim Haadsma, MDP LGBT&A Caucus, Former BCPS Board President Patty Poole Gray, Current BCPS Board President Charlie Fulbright, Former Battle Creek City Commissioner Boonikka Herring