Dr. Miguel Cardona and CEA President Jeff Leake.
The State Board of Education today voted to recommend Dr. Miguel Cardona, assistant superintendent of schools for teaching and learning in Meriden, to serve as the next commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education. Cardona, a former fourth grade teacher who is bilingual, has served alongside CEA leaders on several statewide committees.
“The Connecticut Education Association applauds the appointment of Dr. Miguel Cardona as Connecticut’s Education Commissioner,” says CEA President Jeff Leake. “We have worked with Dr. Cardona in our efforts to establish cultures of professional learning and support in our local districts. Our experience with him indicates that he will be an energetic, progressive, and collaborative leader, sensitive to the needs of urban districts and students but mindful of the needs of all of Connecticut’s students and districts. We are looking forward to working with him to achieve equity and excellence for all Connecticut students by reducing racial, ethnic, and economic disparities in all of Connecticut’s school districts.”
“It is an honor to have been nominated to serve in this position, and I am humbled by the opportunity to work with my fellow teachers and leaders on creating the best and most effective educational system for our state’s students as possible,” Cardona said. “Through a collective effort between everyone who has involvement in our schools, I believe we can make a positive impact on graduation rates, further close achievement gaps, and ensure that all students have increased access to the opportunities and advantages they need to achieve success in life.”
Cardona went to public school in Meriden, as did his parents, and he now has two children who attend the city’s schools. He has worked in Meriden his entire career, first as a teacher and principal before being named the district’s performance evaluation specialist. He became assistant superintendent in 2015.
Cardona holds a B.A. in education from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree, 6th Year Certificate, and EdD from UConn. He currently serves as adjunct faculty in the UConn Administrator Preparation Program.
Cardona’s nomination now goes to the General Assembly for approval. He will begin serving as commissioner-designate on August 7.
