President-elect Donald Trump announced Penny Schwinn, former Tennessee education commissioner, as his choice for deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Schwinn's extensive experience in education administration makes her a prominent selection for the role.
Schwinn previously served at the Texas Education Agency, holding key positions such as deputy commissioner of standards and engagement, deputy commissioner of special populations and monitoring, and chief deputy commissioner of academics. Her career also includes a tenure as assistant secretary of education for Delaware, highlighting her broad expertise in academic policies and program oversight.
Trump shared the announcement on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, initially misstating Schwinn’s first name as Peggy before correcting it to Penny.
Schwinn’s background demonstrates her commitment to improving educational outcomes at state and national levels, aligning with Trump’s focus on reshaping the U.S. education system. Her leadership in Tennessee included initiatives aimed at enhancing school performance and addressing student achievement gaps.
This appointment reflects Trump’s emphasis on experienced education leaders to drive policy changes during his administration. Schwinn’s track record positions her as a strong advocate for advancing academic standards and supporting special populations in schools.
With her nomination, Schwinn is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping education policies, ensuring federal initiatives align with state-level needs, and promoting equity in learning opportunities.
The selection of Schwinn underscores Trump’s intent to prioritize proven leadership to address challenges in the U.S. education system effectively.