The U.S. Secretaries of Education

"Dr. Cate Sommervold shines a clear and focused light on the roles of the successive Secretaries since the Department of Education’s establishment in 1979. Concise yet informative, her work conveniently contextualizes the roles of individual office holders against the shifting tides of American educational policies and debates. More holistic, in terms of events, economics and cultural trends, national contexts are unfailingly provided as well. -- Mark Orsag, Chair, History Department, Doane University Lead Author Interdisciplinary Insights from the Plague of Cyprian: Pathology, Epidemiology, Ecology and History
“With attention to research, artifacts and anecdotes, the Sommervold offers context and relatability around one of the most influential roles in US education. This engaging narrative draws readers along the historical path of the US Secretaries of Education, all while identifying the value of education and avoiding political rhetoric. ‘It is important to examine the trajectory of those who lead us and question if they actually lead us or if they are merely figure-heads,’ Sommervold reminds us all. This book is a conversation starter for the boardroom, classroom and kitchen table.” -- Teresa G. Perkins, Ed.D, Director M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Assistant Professor, Graduate Studies, College of Education, Doane University