Miguel Cardona
Secretary of Education
Miguel Angel Cardona was born in July 1975 in Meridien, Connecticut. He earned a B.S. in education from Central Connecticut University. He obtained a Master of Science in bilingual and bicultural education at the University of Connecticut and also obtained a Doctor of Education from that institution.
He began his career as a fourth-grade teacher in Connecticut. Over time, he was promoted and made the youngest principal in the state’s history. He served as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in his hometown. He was also an adjunct professor of education in the University of Connecticut’s Department of Educational Leadership. He was appointed by the state’s governor to be Commissioner of Education, the first Latino to hold that position.
President Joe Biden nominated Cardona to be Secretary of Education. After a cloture vote, he was confirmed by the Senate and assumed office on March 1, 2021.
Cardona is married to Marissa Perez, and they have two children.
In the News…
Saying “censorship goes against our values as a nation,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona spoke against “book bans.” He opposes calls for publishers to remove books with content containing LGBTQ+ themes as well as alleged restrictions on Black history material in public schools.
“Parents don’t want politicians dictating what their children can learn, think and believe. That’s not how public education is supposed to work in a free country,” he stated in an op-ed column.
“It’s heartbreaking, for example, to see politicians trying to prevent students from learning about the history, arts and culture, contributions and experiences of African Americans — especially when Black history is a vital part of our shared American story,” Secretary Cardona said.
“It’s vital for all of us to understand our full history — the triumphs and the tragedies — so we can build a stronger, shared American future.”
He said that when academic material is censored, not only does it go “against our values as a nation,” but learning is made more difficult for the child.
Contact this Leader…
Did you pray for Secretary Cardona today? You can let him know at:
The Honorable Miguel Cardona, Secretary
Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20202
