Welcome to the Office of the Deputy Secretary
The Office of Deputy Secretary, under the leadership of the Deputy Secretary, assists the Secretary in the discharge of Secretarial duties and responsibilities. The Deputy Secretary serves as Acting Secretary in the absence of the Secretary. The Deputy Secretary focuses on the development and implementation of policies, programs, and activities relating to elementary and secondary education matters. This mission addresses a wide spectrum of interests ranging from safe and drug free schools, special education and rehabilitative services, to the education of students living in poverty and students with linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds, and the promotion of educational reforms.
The Deputy Secretary also has responsibility for the conduct of the intergovernmental relations of the Department in accordance with 20 U.S.C. 3412(a) (2) (A), the Department of Education Organization Act, as amended.
Madeleine Kunin's has policy-making experience as a state legislator, Lieutenant Governor and the first woman Governor of her home state of Vermont.
William D. Hansen was sworn in as the deputy secretary of education on May 24, 2001.
As Under Secretary, Smith has been a key player in helping define the Administration's education agenda.
Cynthia "Cindy" Marten was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Deputy Secretary on May 11, 2021.
Learn more about the Office of the Deputy Secretary by reading our Functional Statements.
Programs
ED administers programs authorized and funded by Congress. These programs provide financial aid
- for eligible applicants for elementary, secondary, and college education;
- for the education of individuals with disabilities and of those who are illiterate, disadvantaged, or gifted; and
- for the education of immigrants, American Indians, and people with limited English proficiency.
ONPE fosters maximum participation of nonpublic school students and teachers in federal education programs and initiatives.
Our Locations
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20202
