Delivering on his promise of creating a diverse administration, President-Elect Joe Biden has announced his nominee Miguel Cardona for Secretary of Education. From Connecticut, Miguel Cordona has an impressive career in public education. According to The Washington Post, Miguel Cardona is an “inspired choice” to serve as the leader of education in our nation.

An experienced educator, Miguel Cardona is well-prepared for this challenge. He has spent his entire career in public education in Connecticut. He has served as an elementary school teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and commissioner of education. Cardona is also committed to closing the educational achievement gaps for African American and Latino/a students as exemplified in his work.

Biden’s nomination of Cardona is significant for various reasons. Cardona is Latino, his parents being from Puerto Rico. Having grown up in the projects of Connecticut, Cardona is the first member of his family to attend college, graduating from Central Connecticut State University. He has worked on and served in various leadership capacities in public education. As mentioned previously, Cardona is focused on closing the educational achievement gap for Latino and Black students. Most notably, Cardona is a breath of fresh air and significant contrast to billionaire Betsy DeVos, who had little prior experience in public education as Trump’s Secretary of Education.

Considering all of the challenges that face our nation in our K-12 public education as well as in higher education, Miguel Cardona has his work cut out for him. With his background and experience, I am sure that he is up for the challenge. I am looking forward to supporting him in his efforts to build an outstanding educational system in the US.