Out there in the world of big media, the speculation is centering on who will land the big jobs at State, Defense, and the Treasury. Here in EducationLand, we are poring over our own choices. Thus far, the speculation centers on a few big-city superintendents,??governors, and even Colin Powell.
Here is my pick: Former Governor James Hunt of North Carolina. Over the past few years, I have gotten to know Governor Hunt as a member of the board of his Institute for Educational Leadership. He never ceases to amaze me with his deep understanding of education issues, his passion for children, and his zeal for improving education.
When he first called to invite me to join his board, I was adamant that I didn't have time to join anything new. I wanted to focus on my writing, not travel to board meetings in North Carolina. I said no. I said no very firmly. About 15 minutes later, I had agreed to be a member of his board. I still don't know how he did it. He just has the best people skills of anyone I have ever met.
Among political figures that I have met, Governor Hunt is unusual in this respect. He is not vain. He is not a narcissist. When he looks at you, he actually looks in your eye. He does not look over your shoulder to see if there is someone more important in the room.
He is a strong supporter of early childhood education. He supports national standards and national testing, but he does not believe the federal government should impose them on anyone. He respects federalism, and he knows every governor and every lieutenant-governor in the nation. I suspect he also knows every state-level legislative leader.
If President Obama wants a Secretary??who can really persuade the Congress and the nation about the need to improve our schools,??Governor Jim Hunt is the man.
Diane Ravitch