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John B. King

John B. King

Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama

A passionate social justice and civil rights advocate and inspiring educator, John B. King Jr. is the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education.

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A passionate social justice and civil rights advocate and inspiring educator, John B. King Jr. is the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education and the CEO and President of the national nonprofit organization, The Education Trust, which seeks to close opportunity and achievement gaps for students of color and students living in poverty. Dr. King’s personal story is proof of the transformative power of an excellent education and great teachers. After losing his mother due to illness at age eight, school became a haven of stability and support that sustained Dr. King during his father’s struggle and death from Alzheimer’s disease. Parentless at age 12, Dr. King credits New York City public school teachers with saving his life and giving him hope for the future.

When President Obama named him to become Secretary of Education at a White House ceremony, Dr. King spoke powerfully about a core belief that has driven him throughout his career: Education is at the very heart of America’s promise of opportunity. In tapping him to lead the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama called Dr. King “an exceptionally talented educator,” citing his commitment to “preparing every child for success” and his lifelong dedication to education as a teacher, principal, and leader of schools and school systems.

As Secretary, Dr. King focused on advancing educational excellence and equity from preschool through college; supporting educators and elevating the teaching profession; and improving college access, affordability, and completion. Before becoming Secretary, Dr. King carried out the duties of the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, overseeing all policies and programs related to early learning, elementary and secondary education, English learners, special education, and innovation. In this role, Dr. King also oversaw the agency’s operations and led the cross-agency work of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which focused on creating pathways to opportunity, especially for boys and young men of color.

Dr. King joined the Obama administration following his tenure as the first African-American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner. At the state-level, Dr. King focused on raising standards for teaching and learning, strengthening teacher preparation and professional development, expanding access to quality early learning, advanced coursework, and career and technical education, and promoting socioeconomic diversity in schools. Prior to joining the New York State Education Department, Dr. King served as managing director at Uncommon Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization comprising some of the highest-performing urban public schools in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Dr. King began his career in education as a high school social studies teacher in Puerto Rico and Boston, and as a middle school principal. Today, he continues to teach undergraduate students, serving as a visiting professor at the University of Maryland College Park.  He holds a B.A. from Harvard University, an M.A. and Ed.D. from Teachers College at Columbia University, and a J.D. from Yale University.

Bringing a moving personal narrative and experience that ranges from classroom teacher to U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. King is a strong voice for equity, justice, and opportunity. Whether speaking to educators, policymakers, philanthropists, business and community leaders, or activists, Dr. King leaves audiences feeling inspired by and invested in the promise of a strong national future built upon the foundation of a high-quality education for all.

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Topics

Topics

Education’s Promise

Pushing For Social Justice

Videos

Videos

Building Equitable Systems of Education - John B. King
The Importance of Civic Education - John B. King

Books

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