NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has selected Penny Schwinn as his choice for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education. Schwinn, who has a distinguished career in education policy, is expected to bring her expertise and conservative values to the role, which involves overseeing policies related to elementary and secondary education.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Schwinn’s record and outlined her qualifications. He highlighted her extensive experience, including serving as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education from 2019 to 2023. During her tenure, Schwinn was instrumental in managing the state’s education response to the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheading the implementation of Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher program, and overseeing a major overhaul of Tennessee’s school funding formula.
“Penny has a strong record of delivering results for children and families,” Trump wrote. “She previously served as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education and held key roles in Texas and Delaware, where she worked to advance educational standards and improve student outcomes.”
Schwinn has also held leadership positions within the Texas Education Agency, where she served as Deputy Commissioner of Standards and Engagement, Deputy Commissioner of Special Populations and Monitoring, and Chief Deputy Commissioner of Academics. Additionally, Schwinn worked as Assistant Secretary of Education in Delaware and was involved in education policy at the state and national levels.
Trump also emphasized Schwinn’s belief in school choice, which he has championed as a central element of his education agenda. He noted that Schwinn’s background as a teacher and her role as the founding principal of a charter school demonstrate her commitment to providing families with greater educational options.
“Penny is a true conservative with a brilliant mind for education,” Trump stated. “Tennessee benefited from her service, and now our country will.”
Schwinn’s appointment aligns with Trump’s broader goal of returning control over education to the states and empowering parents with more choices in their children’s education. As Deputy Secretary of Education, Schwinn will be responsible for helping develop and implement policies and programs related to K-12 education across the United States.
Her nomination signals a continued focus on education reform in the incoming administration, with an emphasis on expanding school choice and decentralizing education decision-making.