Miguel Cardona, a former teacher and principal who rose to become Connecticut’s education commissioner, has been confirmed as the United States Secretary of Education. In a bipartisan vote, the Senate voted 64-33 to confirm Cardona as the nation’s top education official.

Cardona, the son of Puerto Rican parents and a first-generation college graduate, brings a wealth of personal experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing students and educators throughout the United States. His confirmation marks a significant moment in history, as he becomes the first Latinx person to lead the Department of Education.

Throughout his career, Cardona has been a staunch advocate for educational equity and access for all students. He has pushed for resources and support for students from underserved communities, and has worked tirelessly to close achievement gaps and improve outcomes for students of color and students with disabilities.

As Education Secretary, Cardona will oversee a department responsible for ensuring that all students have access to a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. He will be tasked with addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the disruption to learning and the widening of existing disparities in education.

During his confirmation hearing, Cardona emphasized the need to prioritize the safe reopening of schools and the importance of addressing the social and emotional well-being of students as they return to in-person learning. He also stressed the need to address systemic inequities in education and to provide support for teachers and school leaders.

As Education Secretary, Cardona will have the opportunity to shape the future of American education and to make a lasting impact on the lives of students across the country. With his background as an educator and a leader in education reform, Cardona is well-equipped to lead the Department of Education and to advocate for policies that support the success and well-being of all students.

In confirming Miguel Cardona as Education Secretary, the Senate has taken an important step towards ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve success in school and beyond. Cardona’s passion for education and his commitment to equity make him a strong choice to lead the Department of Education, and his confirmation is a cause for celebration for students, educators, and advocates across the country.