On Friday, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona bid farewell to his role as the nation’s leading education official, a position he defined as his "dream job." In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cardona expressed his gratitude to the students, families, educators, and leaders he served over the past four years. "I want to make it clear that while I will no longer be your Secretary of Education, I will still be your partner in all that we hope to achieve for America’s students," he assured his constituents.

 

Cardona’s journey in the role began on March 2, 2021, amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the beginning of his significant impact on education in America.

 

Navigating a Pandemic

During his tenure, Cardona played a pivotal role in the safe reopening of K-12 schools across the nation after prolonged closures. He championed initiatives aimed at restoring in-person learning, a critical step for students who faced significant disruptions to their education. Cardona consistently highlighted the Department of Education's commitment to addressing the broken student loan system and securing debt cancellation for millions of borrowers, advocating for educational equity across the board.

 

Yet, his administration was not without its challenges. Cardona faced relentless criticism from right-wing factions amid ongoing culture wars in classrooms. Nevertheless, he remained steadfast, vowing to continue fighting for the integrity of education even after leaving his post. "Our fight for education is happening all around us in classrooms and communities across the country and it continues," he noted, promising his ongoing support for educators and students nationwide.

 

Addressing Academic Challenges

Despite the efforts made to reopen schools, the Biden administration's education policies faced scrutiny, particularly concerning student achievements in reading and math. Cardona acknowledged the burdens placed on students during the pandemic and emphasized the importance of the approximately $190 billion allocated from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). "Those dollars were set up to help us recover," he explained, stressing their purpose in preventing further setbacks rather than addressing long-standing issues in the education system.

 

Higher Education Woes

Cardona's time as Secretary was also highlighted by challenges in higher education. The rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was plagued with criticism, and his department's plans for student debt relief encountered legal hurdles, culminating in rejections by the Supreme Court in 2023. These challenges underscored the complexity of education policy in the United States, further complicating Cardona’s legacy.

 

In a poignant final address, Cardona criticized the incoming administration for its decision to appoint "a billionaire donor to lead the department of education." This remark was aimed at Linda McMahon, the co-founder of WWE and a longtime Trump ally, who is expected to take over the role pending Senate confirmation. McMahon's anticipated leadership is particularly notable considering Trump's previous statements about potentially dismantling the Department of Education.

 

As Cardona steps away from his role, he leaves behind a legacy interwoven with both achievements and challenges. His emphasis on equity, recovery from the pandemic, and commitment to educational access resonate in the ongoing dialogues about the future of American education. While he may no longer be in office, his promise to remain a partner in the fight for better educational outcomes for students reveals his enduring dedication to the cause.

 

In reflecting on his time as Secretary of Education, Cardona encapsulates a journey marked by passion, resilience, and a commitment to improving the educational landscape for generations to come. As the nation looks ahead, the impact of his leadership will undoubtedly be felt in schools, communities, and in the lives of students across the country.