“In this critical moment in our nation’s history, it’s essential that there is an educator serving as secretary of education,” Mr. Biden said. “I want to make that clear again: an educator, someone who has taught in the classroom, comes out of the classroom.”
His public schools background means Mr. Cardona will “be ready from Day One,” Mr. Biden said.
Mr. Cardona, 45, spent his entire life in public schools and most recently held the position of education commissioner in Connecticut.
The son of a Meriden, Connecticut, police officer, Mr. Cardona assumed his latest duties in February, and consequently, most of his short tenure in charge was devoted to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Cardona took an aggressive stance in favor of keeping schools open, a position that put him at odds with the powerful teachers unions.