Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, Secretary of Education
The Future of Education
I became interested in education from teachers who asked me to
consider the profession as a career. When I went to a technical high
school, I thought I would follow the automotive technician track.
While I had a great education and an amazing high school experience,
I learned early on that I wanted to serve the community. Between the
encouragement of the teachers, and the love of service and community,
I gravitated toward education.
Thanks to the guidance and encouragement of my family, teachers,
and mentors, I was the first in my family to graduate from college. It was a big deal,
and I’ll never forget the sense of pride I felt getting to share that day with my parents.
After college, just like Ms. Ransom had suggested all those years ago, I became a
teacher. I devoted my career to education because I was inspired by educators,
family members, and role models who encouraged me, challenged me, pushed me
to dream big and give back. Through teaching, and later through educational
leadership, I could pass on the same support and mentorship that I’d been given.
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to Advancing
Educational Equity, can you talk about how you will influence decisions
made by the Administration?
There are long-standing gaps in opportunity in our education system that lead
to gaps in outcomes for our students. Our students of color and students from
low-income backgrounds, for example, often have the least access to the supports
and resources that they need to thrive in school: outstanding teachers, rich
coursework, safe environments for learning, strong pathways to college and careers.
At the federal level, our expectation is that the Biden Administration’s American
Rescue Plan funds will be used to close those gaps. American Rescue Plan funds can
be used by states and school districts, for example, to equitably expand
opportunities for students who need the most support, including students from
low-income backgrounds, students of color, students with disabilities, English
learners, students experiencing homelessness, and students with inadequate access
to technology. At the U.S. Department of Education, we have made an ongoing
commitment to provide technical assistance and resources, and to share promising
practices. We also have a “Return to School Roadmap” with tips and strategies for
safely reopening schools, because the best path to education equity across the
country is through in-person learning.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month this year, we are faced with
a global pandemic, how will you reflect on your background and
Hispanic Heritage?
I think about this one moment in seventh grade. Throughout school, I had always
been called Michael, even though my birth certificate says, “Miguel Angel Cardona.”
In seventh grade, I asked my mom, "Mami, why do they call me Michael?" She
didn't know. The next day, I walked into the school office and asked the clerical staff
to change everything on my paperwork to Miguel. I was 12 then. I'm 46 now. I'll
never forget that experience because that was me affirming mi identidad Latina and
being proud. It's like I tell Latino educators now—embrace your “Latino-ness” as
your superpower. These are the moments I think about and want to share during
Hispanic Heritage Month.
Share your vision for the future of Latinos in education.
The success of Hispanic Americans is integral to the economic future of our
country. As America becomes ever-more diverse, Hispanics are one of the
fastest-growing populations in the country and our youngest major racial or
ethnic group.
We know that education is the great equalizer—the force that enables every
child to become whatever they dream. We must provide the best education
opportunities for our Hispanic students, who are our next generation of leaders in
every field.
Despite challenges, including the pandemic, the Latino community has always
shown its resiliency. At the U.S. Department of Education, we remain committed to
supporting the success of Hispanic students as we work to advance a more equitable
and excellent education system for all students, from preschool through college. This
is so important, as the Hispanic community’s success is America’s success.
To read the full interview visit www.latinastyle.com
His View
LS
Want to comment or have any questions on this
article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona was sworn in as the 12th Secretary of Education on March 2nd, 2021. Secretary Cardona previously served as the Commissioner of Education in
Connecticut, a position he held after being appointed by Governor Ned Lamont in August 2019. In this position, he faced the unprecedented challenge of responding to the
COVID-19 pandemic and led the safe school reopening efforts in Connecticut. Secretary Cardona has two decades of experience as a public school educator from the City
of Meriden.
46 www.latinastyle.com L ATINAStyle Vol. 27, No. 5 , 2021
/www.latinastyle.com
/www.latinastyle.com
link
