Miguel Cardona

12th U.S. Secretary of Education

Miguel Cardona

12th U.S. Secretary of Education

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Biography

Miguel A. Cardona is an American leader and educator. He served as the 12th United States Secretary of Education, a position he was nominated for by President Joe Biden.

Throughout his 27-year career in education, Secretary Cardona has focused on improving educational access and equity, from his classroom of students as a fourth-grade teacher to the nation’s 65 million students as our Secretary of Education.

The four pillars of his educational agenda included Academic Recovery and Excellence, Improving Conditions for Educators and Mental Health, Global Competitiveness, and College Affordability and Accessibility.

Cardona led the successful reopening of America’s schools after a pandemic, oversaw the efficient distribution of $190 billion to accelerate academic recovery and mental health support, and led unprecedented federal efforts to transform the country's student loan system, which resulted in greater accountability in higher education and over $185 billion in debt relief to 5 million Americans.

Under Secretary Cardona’s leadership, the United States saw the greatest one-year growth in reading achievement for lower-performing students since 2009. It also increased from zero to 48 states initiating to pay student teachers while they learn through apprenticeships, an additional 16,000 school counselors and mental health experts, and over 1 million public servants earning debt relief.

Federal Student Aid (FSA) awarded Federal College Grants to 10% more students in 2024 compared to the previous year due to a transformational overhaul of FSA, the first in over 40 years. More students in America have affordable access to college and career pathways due to the efforts under Secretary Cardona’s leadership.

Prior to becoming U. S. Secretary of Education, Secretary Cardona served as the Commissioner of Education in Connecticut, District Leader in Connecticut, University Instructor, National Award-winning School Principal and classroom teacher. Secretary Cardona's approach to leadership at the local, state, federal and international levels has been grounded in intentional collaboration and lifted by a bold vision for improvement from pre-kindergarten through college to adult learning. His work has sought collaboration from local leaders, governors, philanthropists, entertainers and artists, industry executives, and international leaders.

A first-generation college student who celebrates bilingualism and biculturalism as a superpower, Secretary Cardona’s story embodies the American dream and the power of public education. Through an acknowledgment of how arts and culture have shaped his accession to the highest education position in the country, Secretary Cardona prides himself in staying true to his passion and values, from the Barrio to the Briefing Room. Don’t miss this crucial conversation on shaping the future of America’s students with Secretary Cardona, who customizes his content for specific audiences.

Speaker Videos

Jobs of the Future

Protected, Welcomed, and Accepted in Our Schools

Sustain, Reimagine, and Build

Embrace Your Uniqueness

Secretary Cardona Addresses the 2023 NEA RA

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s 2021 Commencement Speech | UConn

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on the rising cost of college and teacher shortages

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Speech Topics

The Future of Education in America

With the Department of Education in jeopardy of being eliminated by the current administration, what impact will this have on our nation’s students, teachers, administrators and the future of our educational system? In this riveting talk by former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, he discusses the impact of the elimination of a department intended to ensure that all of America’s students have access to the American dream. “Protecting the federal Department of Education is protecting the rights and the opportunities of students,” he said in an interview with NBC News. “Otherwise, you’re going to have systems that look totally different in one state versus another, and not everyone will have the same opportunity to succeed in this country.”

Secretary Cardona passionately calls on educators, leaders and parents to take action to safeguard the future of education. He emphasizes that a unified, equitable system is essential to ensuring every child—regardless of their zip code—has access to quality learning opportunities. This thought-provoking discussion challenges us all to advocate for federal, state and local policies that uphold educational excellence and fairness, reinforcing that the success of our nation begins in the classroom.

Redefining Education for the Modern Workforce

The world is rapidly changing. And yet, our educational system in the U.S. has remained basically the same—one that has a college-or-bust mentality for its students. For former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, that’s not acceptable--leaving too many high schoolers without pathways to rewarding careers. In this conversation for educators and business leaders alike, Secretary Cardona shares the importance of bridging the gap between education and workforce development. It’s something that not only helps students but is also essential for driving economic growth in our country, he says. Secretary Cardona underscores the importance of collaboration among schools, community colleges and businesses to create effective career pathways through programs such as dual enrollment and internships. He also emphasizes the need for businesses to engage with students earlier in their education, opening up new avenues for exploration and skill development. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Secretary Cardona as he shares his vision for transforming education to better prepare students for the future and strengthen our workforce. Together, we can create pathways that empower every student to achieve their fullest potential in today’s economy.

Unlocking Student Potential: The Role of Partnerships in Education

Join former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as he discusses the importance of public-private partnerships between educators and for-profit organizations and corporations to meet the needs of students for today and the future. “We no longer can serve our students and families well if we don't realize the role that we have in a bigger context, and the opportunities for students are accelerated when you engage in public-private partnerships as part of your core DNA and your belief system, whether it's local districts or at the national level,” he says.

By working together, we can equip students with the skills, experiences and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. This compelling discussion will inspire leaders to take action in shaping a workforce-ready generation—one that drives innovation, strengthens communities and fuels long-term economic success.

From the Barrio to the Briefing Room: A Leader’s Journey in Education

It wasn’t until seventh grade that Former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona had enough courage to speak up and tell his principal that he no longer wanted to be called Michael. He wanted to be called the name that his Latino parents gave him—Miguel. He realized that identity matters and it’s something he continues to believe. In this talk, Secretary Cardona shares his journey from growing up in a Puerto Rican household in Connecticut, with Spanish as his first language, to reaching the highest heights in education. He explains how his bicultural background has influenced his leadership from the classroom to the capitol and shares the steps he takes daily to support the success of all children.

Empowering Our Educators, Strengthening Our Schools

We all know that education is more than just teaching facts and figures—it’s about shaping the future. It’s about inspiring young minds, instilling confidence and preparing the next generation to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, as well as making schools safe. However, for our educators and school staff to do this important work, they need support, respect, resources and comprehensive measures that prioritize not only physical security but also mental health support and inclusive school policies. As the leader of the Department of Education under Pres. Joe Biden, former Secretary Miguel Cardona made it his mission to do just that and continues to do so today. In this talk, he emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive school culture where teachers and staff feel valued, motivated and equipped to help students succeed. By investing in professional development, creating opportunities for collaboration and ensuring that educators have the resources they need, we can build an education system that uplifts both students and those who dedicate their lives to teaching. Secretary Cardona will show you how to get started.

He’ll cover:

Academic recovery and excellence.
Improving conditions and pipelines for educators and increasing access to mental health.
Global competitiveness through career pathways and multilingualism.
College affordability and accessibility.

The Vital Link Between Education & Healthcare for a Stronger Future

Throughout his 27-year career in education, former U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has focused on improving educational access and equity. During this time, he has seen consistent evidence indicating a link between low literacy and poor health outcomes. Secretary Cardona explores this deep and undeniable connection in this talk and highlights how access to quality education directly impacts health outcomes. He also discusses the role of schools in promoting student wellness, addressing disparities in healthcare access and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through personal stories, data-driven insights and a call to action, he emphasizes the importance of collaboration to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the support they need to succeed academically and thrive physically.

Prioritizing Mental Health in Education

Join former U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for an enlightening discussion on the critical role of mental health in student success and well-being. He highlights the urgent need for schools to prioritize mental health support, ensuring that students, educators and families have the resources they need to thrive. Secretary Cardona discusses the impact of stress, anxiety and trauma on learning outcomes, advocating for increased access to school counselors, mental health programs and community partnerships. With a focus on equity, resilience and the future of education, he calls for a collective effort to break the stigma around mental health and create learning environments where every student can reach their full potential.