New Special Education Director Margaret Cage, Ed.D
PED News:
SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) has appointed Margaret Cage, Ed.D, as the new Special Education Director.
Dr. Cage, who will begin work today, has spent more than 25 years in education, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, turnaround specialist, school leader and school system director. She has invested her career in transforming schools and school systems to improve the futures and lives of all students.
“We conducted an extensive nationwide search for the best person to do this critical work at the PED, and Dr. Cage is the leader everyone involved was most excited about! She brings enthusiasm, experience, and the will to get the work done. I am so excited she is here and ready to get to work,” Secretary Arsenio Romero said.
“I am elated to have been chosen for this position and for the opportunity to make a difference and impact the lives and communities of New Mexico,” Cage said. “I think it [this position] shows the deep commitment of the governor’s office, the Public Education Department, and all the stakeholders supporting our efforts to do what’s best for our children.”
Dr. Cage holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La., a Certification in Special Education, a Master of Educational Leadership and a Doctorate of Executive Educational Leadership from The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, La.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham created The Office of Special Education through Executive Order (EO) in May of this year. Upon signing the EO, Gov. Lujan Grisham said, “This office creates an opportunity for collaboration between state agencies, districts and families of students that we desperately need and that the 50,000 New Mexico children in special education deserve. We are doing more to improve the quality of special education students receive by ensuring families are better supported in navigating a complicated system and that teachers receive consistent, up-to-date training.”
Cage stated that she is looking forward to joining the NMPED and helping make positive changes to the educational environment in New Mexico. “One of the things that I pride myself on is being a change agent and a transformational leader,” Cage said. “I am always thinking about the possibilities, seeking solutions, and committed to taking something that may not be positive and improving it.”
About The New Mexico Public Education Department:
The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, NMPED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the NMPED on Facebook and Instagram.