President-elect Trump recently announced his choice for deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education: Penny Schwinn. She was previously the commissioner of education in Tennessee and has a strong background in education leadership.

While leading the Tennessee Department of Education, Schwinn managed the state’s responses during the coronavirus pandemic. She also played a key role in launching Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher program and revamped the state’s funding for schools.
Before her time in Tennessee, she worked at the Texas Education Agency. There, she held positions such as deputy commissioner of standards and engagement. Schwinn also served as an assistant secretary of education in Delaware. Her rich experience reflects her commitment to improving educational standards.
Trump shared his congratulations for Schwinn on Truth Social, highlighting her journey as a former teacher and founding principal of a charter school. He praised her dedication to school choice and her mission to empower future generations through education.
Penny Schwinn holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University. Her educational credentials add to her qualifications for the new role.
With Schwinn at the helm, the U.S. Department of Education is set to navigate new challenges and opportunities in the educational landscape.