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Secretary of Education

Who We Are

Aimee Rogstad Guidera Secretary of EducationAimee Rogstad Guidera was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in December 2021 to serve as the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In this role, Secretary Guidera oversees education from early childhood through postsecondary learning. Throughout her 35 year career, Aimee has championed high expectations for every student and the changes needed to deliver on that commitment.

Secretary Guidera was the Founder, President, & CEO of the Data Quality Campaign (DQC), a national, nonprofit organization leading the effort to empower educators, students, parents, and policymakers with the information they need to make the best decisions to improve student outcomes. Aimee believes that information has the power to transform education to ensure every child in this country is prepared for success in college, career, and their community.

A respected thought leader in education, Aimee was named one of TIME's 12 Education Activists of 2012.  She has also been cited as an expert on education policy and the value of education data by publications such as the New York Times, Business Week, NPR, and Education Week.  

Before founding DQC, Aimee served as the director of the Washington, DC office of the National Center for Educational Achievement.  She was the vice president and chief of staff for the National Alliance of Business (NAB), began her education policy career in the education division of the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices, and taught for the Japanese Ministry of Education.  Aimee received her bachelor's degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and earned a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Aimee and her husband Bill are the parents of two adult daughters. She was an active supporter of her daughters’ public schools and served as a classroom volunteer, parent-teacher organization leader, and system advisor.  Aimee believes that parents, students, and teachers comprise the three legs of the stool on which student success depends.

What We Do

Guiding Principles Wheel Interactive wheel graphic with clickable icons linking to guiding principles; base layer (if present) is decorative. Empower Parents and Teachers Parents are their child's first and most important teacher. They must be an integral player in our education systems. Next to parents, having a quality teacher is the greatest determinant of a child's success. Great teachers must be celebrated and rewarded. Zero-Tolerance For Discrimination We will not allow the ascribing of traits or behavior based on race, gender, political beliefs, or religion. We will reinforce that every person has a right to reach his or her full potential. Education should provide them with the tools and knowledge to do so. Innovation There is excellence in education in Virginia, but there are many children who have not had access to that excellence. We will create a culture of innovation that breaks the "one size fits all" education model by increasing school choice (e.g. lab schools). Transparency & Accountability Our education systems will be held accountable for preparing all learners for success in life. This requires an emphasis on evidence and transparency. Post-secondary Readiness Learners must be empowered with multiple pathways to post-secondary success, including apprenticeships, internships, workforce training, dual enrollment, and other opportunities. Freedom of Speech & Inquiry Our institutions of learning will embody a commitment to free speech and the exploration of diverse ideas. Our democracy rests on the foundation that education must teach every generation how to think, not what to think. Vibrant and Safe Learning Environments All students should be in an engaging, welcoming, and safe educational environment where they learn best. We must support all possible safeguards against student and teacher harm. Wellbeing and Mental Health Student wellbeing and mental health are vital to success in school and life. Healthy school climates and strong relationships and among students, families and teachers support community connectedness. Prioritized Resources Public resources and support must be focused on those students and communities most in-need. Additional funds will support evidence-based i nterventions deployed by local education and community leaders. Access and Affordability Higher education must be accessible and affordable to all learners. Decreasing overall operating costs can stabilize and even reduce tuition. High Expectations All students deserve to be held to high expectations aligned to the needs of the knowledge economy. We will prioritize resources for those students and communities furthest behind and teach comprehensive history. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR VIRGINIA EDUCATION Access and Affordability People (coming soon) Wellbeing and Mental Health Vibrant and Safe Learning Environments Freedom of Speech and Inquiry Post-secondary Readiness Innovation Transparency and Accountability Zero Tolerance for Discrimination Empower Parents and Teachers High Expectations

See the PDF version Guiding Principles Wheel

The Education Secretariat provides guidance to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), as well as Virginia’s 16 public colleges and universities, 23 community colleges and five higher education and research centers. We also provide support to seven state-funded arts/cultural institutions.

Guiding Principles Wheel

Virginia Department of Education

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The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

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Virginia Early Childhood Foundation

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Virginia’s Community Colleges

Virginia Community College System

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Virginia Leaders in Education Visit Germanna

May 9, 2023 - On Fentanyl Awareness Day, Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera spoke to Germanna nursing students about Governor Youngkin's new anti-fentanyl initiative. With the fentanyl epidemic becoming a prevalent issue in Virginia, Youngkin signed an executive order to launch a new fentanyl-fighting strategy that will aid in prevention, treatment, and public safety. Guidera discussed the upward trend of fentanyl-related deaths in Virginia and how Youngkin’s plan will address it. Attendees also participated in REVIVE! training, which educates Virginians on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone.

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