Speeches

Statement of Arne Duncan on Race to the Top Rollout

Last July, I joined with President Obama to kick off the Race to the Top. This competition, which was funded through the Recovery Act with the support of Congress, put unprecedented resources—$4.35 billion dollars—on the table to reward states that are ready to dramatically re-shape America's educational system.

We said from the beginning that we were going to set a very high bar in this competition, that we would only reward excellence, and that winning would require an all hands on deck approach to reform.

Using Technology to Transform Schools—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan at the Association of American Publishers Annual Meeting

This is an extraordinary time for all of us in the field of education. One year ago, schools throughout the country were facing an education catastrophe. One estimate said that 600,000 jobs were at risk. Working together, the President and Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with $100 billion for education.

Preparing the Teachers and School Leaders of Tomorrow: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Conference

Thank you. I want to talk to you today about a paradox that can handcuff efforts at education reform. The paradox is this: Everyone in this hall would agree that great teachers and principals hold the key to America's children getting a first-rate education—nothing is more important.

Under Secretary Martha Kanter's Remarks at the 2010 AIEA Conference

Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. I'm thrilled that Andre Lewis, our new Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Education, could join me here this afternoon. This position was included in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act because Congressman Holt and his colleagues recognized the need for leadership in international education in the U.S.

Leading from the Superintendent's Office: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the American Association of School Administrators Conference

Thank you. During the seven-and-a-half years I was CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, I sometimes got the question: "Why in the world would you ever want to be a school superintendent?"

Remarks of Dr. Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana to the National Association for Bilingual Education

Thank you for inviting me to address this group of valued colleagues and champions—it is wonderful to be here among so many people committed to guaranteeing an excellent education for every child in America.

Investing in Education: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks to the National School Boards Association

It's been a little more than a year since the President took the oath of office and I became secretary of education.

Under Secretary Martha Kanter's Remarks at the Association of American Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting

Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. I have been in my job in Washington for a little over six months now, and I've been privileged to get to know many of you and to learn about and recognize in many of our national conversations the extraordinary work of AAC&U.

Building a Better Front Porch for Higher Education

Thank you. Please stand to pay a special tribute to the wife and son of Myles Brand, who are here today. Myles Brand was a remarkable leader who was unafraid of controversy.

Lawmakers Who Lead

Thank you for that kind introduction. I welcome this opportunity to address state lawmakers. For too long, you have been the leading yet underappreciated stewards of education reform. It is sometimes said that governors get the headlines and legislators get the headaches. There is a lot of truth to that.