Miguel Cardona

Miguel Cardona is an American educator and government official serving as the United States Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden. He previously served as the Commissioner of Education of Connecticut, appointed by Governor Ned Lamont. A former public school teacher and principal, his career has focused on educational equity and closing achievement gaps.

Early life and education

Miguel Cardona was born and raised in the Meriden public housing projects, a son of Puerto Rican parents. He attended Meriden Public Schools, entering kindergarten speaking only Spanish. He graduated from H.C. Wilcox Technical High School before pursuing higher education at Central Connecticut State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in education. He later obtained a Master of Science in bilingual and bicultural education and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut. His doctoral dissertation examined the gap in academic achievement between English-language learners and their peers.

Career in education

Cardona began his career as a fourth-grade teacher at Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden, Connecticut. He later served as a school principal at the same elementary school, becoming the youngest principal in the state at age 28. His leadership at Israel Putnam Elementary School was recognized when the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School under his tenure. In 2012, he was appointed as the Meriden Public Schools' assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, a role in which he worked on district-wide instructional improvement. His work in Meriden caught the attention of state officials, leading to his appointment as the Commissioner of Education of Connecticut in August 2019 by Governor Ned Lamont.

U.S. Secretary of Education

President Joe Biden nominated Cardona for United States Secretary of Education in December 2020, citing his experience as a teacher and state leader during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was confirmed by the United States Senate in a 64–33 vote on March 1, 2021, and was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris. As Secretary, he leads the United States Department of Education and has prioritized the safe reopening of K–12 schools following pandemic disruptions. His tenure has involved implementing major legislative initiatives, including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided historic funding to public schools and institutions of higher education.

Policy positions and initiatives

Cardona has championed policies aimed at increasing support for public schools, expanding access to career and technical education, and addressing long-standing inequities. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing the diversity of the educator workforce and has overseen the administration's efforts on student loan debt relief. Key initiatives under his leadership include the "Raise the Bar: Lead the World" agenda, focusing on academic recovery and pathways to college and career. He has also been involved in enforcing Title IX regulations and overseeing the implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provides funding for school mental health services. His department has worked to reform the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and has taken regulatory action against for-profit colleges accused of misconduct.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Cardona has received numerous accolades for his educational leadership. He was named the Connecticut Elementary School Principal of the Year in 2012 by the Connecticut Association of Schools. In 2019, he received the Excellence in Education Award from the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. His work has been recognized by organizations such as the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In 2022, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Central Connecticut State University.

Category:United States Secretaries of Education Category:American school principals Category:Living people Category:People from Meriden, Connecticut