Cindy Marten

Cindy Marten is an American educator and government official who has served as the Deputy Secretary of Education in the Biden administration since 2021. She previously served as the superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District, the second-largest school district in California. Appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate, her career has been defined by a focus on equity in education, literacy, and community engagement.

Early life and education

Cindy Marten was born and raised in San Diego, California, where she attended local public schools. Her early experiences within the San Diego Unified School District profoundly shaped her understanding of public education. She pursued her higher education at the University of California, San Diego, where she earned her bachelor's degree. Marten began her professional journey as a classroom teacher, working in elementary school settings in some of the city's most diverse and underserved communities, which cemented her commitment to educational justice.

Career in education

Marten's career in education spans over three decades, primarily within the San Diego Unified School District. She served as a teacher, vice principal, and school principal, notably at Central Elementary School in City Heights. As principal, she gained recognition for significantly improving student achievement and fostering strong community school partnerships. In 2013, the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education appointed her as district superintendent. During her tenure, she oversaw initiatives to expand preschool access, implement social-emotional learning programs, and navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in California.

Deputy Secretary of Education

In March 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Marten to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Education, the second-highest position in the United States Department of Education. Her nomination was supported by various groups including the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. After a confirmation hearing before the Senate HELP Committee, she was confirmed by the full United States Senate in a bipartisan vote. In this role, she works directly under Secretary Miguel Cardona to implement the administration's education agenda, managing the department's daily operations and federal programs.

Policy and initiatives

Throughout her career, Marten has been associated with policies aimed at closing achievement gaps and supporting whole child development. Key initiatives from her superintendency include the "Blueprint for Student Success" and a district-wide focus on early literacy. At the United States Department of Education, she has helped advance the Biden administration's priorities, such as supporting schools through the American Rescue Plan Act, addressing learning recovery, and promoting career and technical education. She frequently emphasizes the importance of Title I funding and upholding the provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Awards and recognition

Marten has received numerous accolades for her educational leadership. She was named the CAAASA Superintendent of the Year and has been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators. Her work at Central Elementary School earned the school a California Distinguished School award. In 2021, her confirmation to the Deputy Secretary of Education post was highlighted as a significant appointment for a career educator from a large urban school district.

Category:1960s births Category:Living people Category:University of California, San Diego alumni Category:United States Deputy Secretaries of Education Category:Superintendents of schools in California Category:Educators from San Diego Category:21st-century American educators