Op-Ed: Superintendent Kirsten Baesler: President Donald Trump and Linda McMahon can foster a work-ready boom
Together, President Donald Trump and Linda McMahon can ensure America’s students are prepared to build a stronger, more dynamic economy that respects the aspirations of all its citizens.
As the longest-serving chief state school officer in America, I was thrilled to read President Donald Trump’s statement announcing his excellent selection of Linda McMahon to oversee the Department of Education:
“Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World. We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES.”
A distinguished executive focused on reform and localization? Music to my ears. Then I came across remarks from Secretary-designate McMahon on the role of education in meeting the demands of the workforce and was even more inspired: “The country is facing a historic labor shortage, and a multi-year degree program is not necessary for many Americans to obtain high-paying, fulfilling careers.” President Trump and Linda McMahon’s philosophy and vision is exactly what is needed to reshape education in America for the future.
Having served under three administrations and having recently completed my second term as President of the Council of Chief State School Officers, I’ve worked with education leaders from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and even educational jurisdictions like the Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Education. These experiences have underscored my understanding of the importance of federal leadership that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and respect for state autonomy. The focus from President Trump and from Linda McMahon on returning education decisions to the states is a critical step toward achieving these goals.
For far too long, the federal Department of Education has operated as a one-size-fits-all bureaucracy, often at odds with the diverse needs of individual states. By reorienting the department’s mission to empower states and local educators, the Trump administration has an opportunity to transform education into a system that reflects the unique strengths and challenges of communities across the nation. Secretary-designate McMahon’s commitment to promoting a work-ready focus is a perfect example of this philosophy in action.
The stakes have never been higher. For decades, the narrative around education has disproportionately emphasized college as the default pathway to success, often at the expense of other equally valuable options. Meanwhile, student loan debt has skyrocketed to over $1.7 trillion, burdening graduates while leaving critical workforce gaps in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and health care. It’s time to recognize that not every fulfilling career requires a four-year degree and to instead embrace pathways, such as apprenticeships, that prepare students for the diverse workforce demands of a dynamic economy.
President Trump’s vision for a work-ready renaissance will succeed if it is supported by strong partnerships between the federal Department of Education and state leaders. Here is a quick overview of tangible actions they can take:
Sharing best practices: The Department should actively highlight and disseminate state-led innovations that align education with workforce needs. States are already implementing creative solutions, and the federal government should serve as a platform to amplify their success.
Streamlining federal regulations: By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing flexibility for state and local education agencies, the department can empower educators to focus on preparing students for success in the workforce.
Investing in career and technical education (CTE): Expanding access to CTE programs and certifications will allow students to graduate with industry-recognized credentials, putting them on a fast track to high-paying, debt-conscious careers.
Fostering collaboration across states: Through initiatives that bring state leaders together, the department can facilitate a national conversation about what works and how to replicate it, respecting that what succeeds in one state may not work in another.
As a state leader who has spent over a decade building trusted relationships with education officials across the nation, I understand how critical this collaboration will be. The Department of Education has an opportunity to unite these diverse perspectives behind a shared vision of preparing every student to succeed — whether they choose college, technical training, military service, or direct entry into the workforce.
Under this new vision, the federal Department of Education can play a pivotal role in championing local innovation while eliminating unnecessary federal overreach. The result will be a system that respects state autonomy, values diversity in career pathways, and empowers every student to graduate work-ready, with minimal debt and a clear plan for success.
President Trump and Linda McMahon are poised to lead a national movement that embraces these principles. Together, they can ensure America’s students are prepared to build a stronger, more dynamic economy that respects the aspirations of all its citizens. This is the leadership we need to secure a brighter future for our children, our workforce, and our nation.