U. S. Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter will deliver the spring commencement address at Columbia University’s 2012 Teachers College Convocation on Tuesday, May 15 in New York City. In her remarks, Kanter will discuss the vital role that high-quality teachers must play in preparing students to compete in the 21st century global economy. She will celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class, and call on them to inspire others to pursue higher education to help move the country forward.
During the ceremony, the university will honor Kanter for her work in improving postsecondary, adult, and career and technical education. Kanter is the first community college leader to serve as Under Secretary of Education and leads President Obama’s efforts to make the U.S. workforce the best educated and most competitive by 2020.