The president doesn’t run the United States alone. Experts help manage the government. This team — called the Cabinet — leads 15 departments. The U.S. Secretary of Education is the head of the Department of Education. Miguel Cardona has that top job!
Cardona was born in Connecticut. His parents were from Puerto Rico and spoke Spanish. Cardona studied education and became a teacher. He was a principal. Then Cardona became the U.S. Secretary of Education.
News-O-Matic (NOM): What message do you have for students?
Cardona: This is a great opportunity for new friendships and chances to explore something new. It’s an opportunity to see your talents and how you’re using them. It’s time to get engaged in a new club or activity. It’s a fresh start for a great year.
NOM: Why should students learn current events?
Cardona: Students might have the answer to a problem in their community. Often, we think people in suits like me have the answers. That’s not the case. Most of the time, students have solutions to problems. So, current events is a great way for students to be a part of the solution.
NOM: Why should we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Cardona: Bueno. Para mi es muy importante celebrar el día de Herencia Hispana. Y la razón es porque es muy importante celebrar lo que nos hace muy diferente y especial. Yo siempre digo: “ser bilingüe es un super poder.” Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to acknowledge that we’re all different — but that makes us special. And celebrating differences is a great way to honor
. Being bilingual is a superpower. Our students should feel that way. That makes this country so special. That makes it unique.
NOM: What is the value of reading?
Cardona: Reading takes you to new places. You can learn about other cultures and history. You learn facts that might drive you into a passion. I love serving people and learning about communities. That led me to a career in education. But reading is the gateway to opportunities. It opens doors. And sometimes it’s just fun. Use your imagination to use the words on the page to create what it might look like in your mind. That’s always exciting.
NOM: What are your goals?
Cardona: My goal is to support schools. This is a tough time to teach and to lead. I want students to know we’re fighting for them. We’re fighting for more opportunities — in K–12 and higher education. It’s an exciting opportunity to make sure every student feels respected. Every parent and educator should feel supported. I’m fortunate to serve as Secretary of Education. Those are my goals.
NOM: What advice do you have for students interested in leadership?
Cardona: When I was eight years old, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I liked going to school. I liked my teachers. I had a lot of friends. It was fun. But through school I found my purpose in life, which was to help students. That’s opened doors for me — doors I didn’t expect to be open. Education did that for me. So, follow your passion. Continue to learn. Learn new facts, but also learn a bit more about yourself. And have fun. School should be fun.
Updated September 12, 2023, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
