Latinos for Education Congratulates Dr. Stephen Zrike on Historic Appointment as Education Secretary, Thanks Patrick Tutwiler for Partnership and Service

Zrike will be the first Latino to serve as Massachusetts secretary of education

Boston, Massachusetts — Latinos for Education today congratulated Dr. Stephen Zrike on his appointment as Massachusetts secretary of education and expressed deep gratitude to outgoing Secretary Patrick Tutwiler for his years of leadership and partnership on behalf of students and families across the commonwealth. 

Zrike will be the first Latino to serve as Massachusetts secretary of education. With his appointment, Latinos now hold all three top education leadership roles in the commonwealth, including Education Secretary Stephen Zrike, Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez.  

“The appointment of Dr. Stephen Zrike is a proud and historic moment for Massachusetts,” said Amanda Fernandez, founder and CEO of Latinos for Education. “As an alumnus of our Latino Board Fellowship, I’ve had a front row seat to his steadfast commitment to students and families. He is an innovator and a collaborative leader, and we look forward to working closely with him in this new role.” 

Zrike first engaged with Latinos for Education in 2018 as a participant in the Latino Board Fellowship and has remained an active partner in statewide efforts to strengthen educator diversity and expand opportunities for Latino students and educators. 

Fernandez also thanked Tutwiler for his longstanding partnership with Latinos for Education. Tutwiler worked closely with Latinos for Education both as Lynn superintendent and as education secretary, including his leadership in advancing the Educator Diversity Act. 

“Secretary Tutwiler has been a steadfast champion for students and families across Massachusetts,” Fernandez said. “We are deeply grateful for his partnership and for the impact of his service to the commonwealth.” 

Latinos for Education looks forward to continuing its work with state leaders to increase Latino representation in education and strengthen outcomes for all students. 

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About Latinos for Education 

Latinos for Education is a national education non-profit organization and movement builder uniting Latino communities to transform education policy and practice. Grounded in the belief that when Latino students thrive, America thrives, the organization advances educator leadership and community-driven solutions that strengthen schools and learning for all students. Learn more at latinosforeducation.org.