WASHINGTON, DC—Teach Plus applauds the United States Senate’s confirmation of former Teach Plus President and Chief Executive Officer Roberto Rodríguez to serve as Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the United States Department of Education. Prior to his appointment to this role, Rodríguez guided Teach Plus’ work for four years, growing equity-driven teacher leadership across the organization’s policy and instructional programs in 12 states and reaching more than 15,000 educators in the Teach Plus network.
“Roberto is a true champion of students and educators, and has always put their experiences and expertise at the center of his work. His leadership is needed now more than ever,” said Lindsay Sobel, Teach Plus Interim CEO. “His commitment to and passion for educational equity and teacher leadership will be an invaluable asset to Secretary Cardona, the U.S. Department of Education, and our educational system.”
“Roberto is keenly aware of the diverse nature of education, is a compassionate and sincere seeker of educator perspective, and a champion for equity. At Teach Plus, he has inspired a space for each unique teacher voice to be valued. With his leadership in the U.S. Department of Education, I have hope for progress,” said Peggy Wallace, kindergarten teacher in Woodland Park, Colorado and Teach Plus Colorado Senior Policy Fellow.
“Roberto prioritized getting to know us as educators, listened to our stories, and made it clear that our well-being was vital. He provided mentorship and guidance and valued the time he spent with teachers. I’m confident that he will consider what he has learned from educators to drive decision making. I’m proud to have worked with him and look forward to his continued contribution to education policy,” said Juanita Price, educator in Indianapolis, Indiana and a Teach Plus Indiana Policy Fellowship alumna.
Prior to joining Teach Plus, Rodríguez served in senior roles in the White House and the United States Senate. From 2009 to 2017, as Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama, he developed and led the Administration’s education initiatives to build systemic change and improve opportunity and outcomes across the educational continuum. Rodríguez spent eight years as Senior Education Advisor and later Chief Counsel to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), former Chair of the United States Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
About Teach Plus
Teach Plus is dedicated to the mission of empowering excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership in shaping education policy and improving teaching and learning, to create an education system driven by access and excellence for all. teachplus.org
